File:Silver Medieval cosmetic set (FindID 102129).jpg

English: A Post Medieval silver cosmetic set (16th -17th century, probably) comprising four tools secured at one end by a silver rivet with separate washer. The tools consist of an ear scoop; a nail pick with claw end with engraved ornament at the claw; a flat tool with the end shaped to form a pointed oval; and a point/flattened pick perhaps for use in parting the hair. The tools all have a flat rectangular cross-section. The hooked tool consists of a flat handle which expands on the right side to form a bulb before narrowing and then curving round to form the hook. It is decorated on both sides with bands of horizontal lines and a band of cross-hatching at the end of the handle just before the bulb. There are some traces of gold coloured discolouration on the silver of the hooked tool probably gilding. Dimensions: length: 82.13mm; width: 8.77mm; thickness: 5.37mm; weight: 9.41g. There is nothing to indicate a date, apart from the rough hatching on one of the implements pins which may suggest a late medieval or early post-medieval date and the form of the ear scoop, comparable to that found on some 17th C dress. Cosmetic sets of similar type with rivets holding together different elements are found made out of copper alloy or brass, see two London finds in Egan and Pritchard, Dress Accessories, London 1991, nos. 1755-6, ranging in date from c1300-1400. This example comprises more elements and may be later in date. Perhaps 16th or 17th century. Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996. Dr Dora Thornton, Curator of Renaissance Collections The British Museum