Cloak Clasp

PeriodCirca 1755

Place MadeNew York or Philadelphia, U.S.A.

MediumSilver

Dimensions0.75 × 1.25 in. (1.9 × 3.2 cm)

ClassificationsSilver

Credit LineGift of Ella Hartshorne Throckmorton, 19

Object number2024.528

DescriptionA two-part cloak clasp of silver. The clasp sections are crafted in heart shapes, with the loop clasp including a simple central motif of a four-petaled flower and a chased border. The clasp portion includes a wide hook with a rounded edge, and a matching chased border. Both clasp parts include six spaced holes to allow the clasp to be sewn to a woman's cloak or cape.
NotesThis charming heart-shaped silver cloak clasp is believed to have been owned and worn by Freehold resident Catherine Franses Throckmorton. Born in 1733, Sarah married Samuel Throckmorton in 1755 at Christ Church in Shrewsbury. The couple had at least four children including John (1758-1815), Richard (1760-1842), Sarah (1766-1837), and Samuel (1771-1786). Sarah Franses Throckmorton left behind an incredibly detailed will, with extensive directions as to the disposal and dispersal of personal items including gowns, clothing, accessories, blankets, bedding, bedhangings, furniture, trunks and boxes, and much else. She gave her daughter granddaughter Sarah Throckmorton (her son Samuel's girl) "all my wearing apparel," and her daughter Sarah received "all my trunks and boxes and the articles contained therein." Catherine had many silver items including a pepper pot, spoons, and a watch, which she gave to her son Richard. The clasp is not specifically mentioned, but may have been either attached to a cloak or cape, one of the "wearing apparel," or in one of the boxes or trunks. The clasp descended through the family until it ended up in the possession of William S. Throckmorton. His widow, Susan Ella Hartshorne Throckmorton (1856-1949) donated it to the Historical Association. The clasp's heart shape may indicate it was a wedding gift from Samuel to Catherine around the time of their marriage in 1755.

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