Talas - Antique Book Clasps

Byzantium Studios Limited

Fasteners & Hardware > Book and Box Hardware

Talas is proud to offer a modest but authentic selection of early reproduction book clasps. This collection is unique in that each piece is wrought by hand and painstakingly crafted to replicate their historical counterparts. These clasps are not cast, but cut individually and hand finished using small files and gravers. Rivets are gently set by hammer and each piece is buffed to a soft and subtle sheen. The final result is unparalleled in its beauty,
quality and authenticity.

All clasps are handmade in solid brass.

#1214: Dutch "Heart" Pattern (circa 1515)
Delicate pierce work with the heart design on both the hasp & clasp plates. Similar variations were commonly used in the Netherlands & Northern Germany between 1495-1550.

#1215 Flemish "Duck's Head" Pattern (circa 1500":
Features 2 duck heads back to back with the rivets strategically placed as eyes. This design was used widely in Northern Europe throughout the mid 16th century.

#1216 German "Strassburg" Pattern (circa 1485):
Distinctly German pattern that was very popular in Switzerland as well as central Germany from 1475-1510.

#1218 German "Fish-tail" Pattern (circa 1620):
This pattern has been adapted multiple times between the years 1580-1650, and thus many variations exist. This particular configuration was used relatively late in its lifespan and reflects the transition to a more Baroque style.

#1217 German "Wittenberg" Pattern (circa 1525):
Most recognized as having German origins but was often used in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and occasionally in France. The design is most often used on Alum-tawed Pig skin bindings over beveled beech boards. This design was most popular between 1500-1680, making it one of the most common and long-lived designs.

#1220 Northern Italian "Milan" Pattern (circa 1480):
This pattern of clasp has evolved with many slight variations. This design is based on an example in the Folger Shakespeare Library. The design features delicately pierced holes on the clasp and hasp. This style was usually used on the fore-edge as well as at the head & tail of the boards.

#1221 Northern Italian "Turin" Pattern (circa 1495):
This design features delicate fretwork clasp in the shape of a quatrefoil. The general shape is triangular with one finely scalloped edge. T his style is usually used on the fore-edge as well as at the head & tail of the boards.

#1219 Swiss "Zurich" Pattern (circa 1550):
This pattern has been identified as descending from Swiss origin. It was rarely used, but the few that exist today are well preserved and are stunning examples of the "clausemacher's" skill.

Related Information: Click here to see a larger image.

Item	Description	Price
TTR001214	#1214 Dutch "Heart" Pattern (circa 1515)	$ 139.05
TTR001215	#1215: Flemish "Duck's Head" Pattern (circa 1500)	$ 114.75
TTR001216	#1216: German "Strassburg" Pattern (circa 1485	$ 128.25
TTR001218	#1218: German "Fish-Tail" Pattern (circa 1620)	$ 128.25
TTR001217	#1217: German "Wittenberg" Pattern (circa 1525)	$ 128.25
TTR001220	#1220: Northern Italian "Milan" Pattern (circa 1480)	$ 128.25
TTR001221	#1221: Northern Italian "Turin" Pattern (circa 1495)	$ 128.25
TTR001219	#1219: Swiss "Zurich" Pattern (circa 1550)	$ 114.75

Related Products

	Alum Tawed Skins- Cowley of England - Produced by Cowley's of England there are the finest quality alum tawed skins available. Alum Tawed skins were traditionally used in the 12th century for covers and thongs. They were preferred for bookbinding as the alum treatment rendered them more resistant to atmospheric pollution than tanned...

	Metal Clasps - Small decorative and functional clasps for book and box making. Clasps are approximately 3/4" wide.

	Bone Folders - Croft Hand Crafted - Uniquely shaped and beautifully constructed bone folders, made from wild Elk or Moose. Function superbly and are a wonderful addition to any binder's bone folder tool supply kit. ORIGAMI - Traditionally about 3.5" or similar shape (called a finishing folder in longer dimension). MINI...