Clasp 1720 - 1750

This clasp was made in the 1700s by Henricus Boelen, a silversmith working in colonial New York. Notice how the engraved bird, flower and foliage are rendered with remarkable detail. The object provides a glimpse into the material culture of early America. As a skilled artisan, Boelen would have been part of a network of craftspeople, merchants, and consumers that shaped the economy and society of his time. Looking closely, the clasp may provide clues about the social status and cultural values of its owner. It could have been commissioned by a wealthy merchant or landowner as a symbol of their refinement and taste. Research into colonial inventories, trade records, and genealogical sources might help us learn more about the individuals who owned and used objects like this clasp.