As I was the first to open the fire on the very puzzling subject of the SS.
Collar, which has led to more pleasant and profitable, though _warm_
discussion, than ever any person could have expected, it seems now to be
time for some to step forward as a moderator; and if I be allowed to do so,
it will be to endeavour to check the almost _uncourteous_ way in which our
ARMIGER friend has taken up the gauntlet on the question.
If, Sir, you admit _severe_ and sneering criticism, it will, it may be
feared, tend very considerably to mar the influence and advantage to be
drawn from your useful pages, which are intended, I conceive, for calm,
friendly and courteous interchange of useful information. Without
vituperating the _lucubrations_ of MR. JOHN GOUGH NICHOLS, or sneering at
those who "pin faith on his dicta," which have much merit (Vol. ii., p.
363.), it would be surely possible for ARMIGER to advance his own views
with good temper and friendly feeling.
I have also a word to say to MR. NICHOLS on his remarks on MR. ELLACOMBE'S
view. He imputes to MR. E. ignorance of the "real formation of the collar."
He could only mean that the S hook or link gave _the idea_ of such an
ornamental chain; and I believe he is correct: which ornament the taste of
the workman would adopt and fashion as we now have it, with the insertion
of another link both for the comfort of the wearer, and for variety in the
construction.
A series of SSes (SSS) by themselves would certainly be a galling badge,
whatever honour might be considered to be conferred with it.
B. (original),
in future SS., as my initial has been
usurped by some unknown friend.
October. 30. 1850.
_Collar of Esses._--I am glad to see the interest shown by your
correspondents upon this curious subject, and the various opinions
expressed by them as to the actual formation of the collar; the
signification of the letter, if a letter be intended (of which I think
there can be no reasonable doubt); and the persons who were privileged to
wear it. The first two questions will for ever occasion discussion; but
allow me to suggest that one step towards the solution of the third, would
be a collection in your pages of the names of those persons who, either on
their monumental effigies or brasses, or in their portraits or otherwise,
are {395} represented as wearing that ornament; together with a short
statement of the position held by each of these individuals in the court of
the then reigning monarch, seeming to warrant the assumption. Some notices
of this sort have been already given, and your antiquarian correspondents
will readily supply others; so that in a little time you will have obtained
such a list as will greatly assist the inquiry. It may serve as a
commencement if I refer to the atchievement of Thomas Mowbray, Duke of
Norfolk, in the reign of Richard II., a representation of which is given in
_Archaeologia_, vol. xxix. p. 387., where the Collar of Esses is introduced
in a very peculiar manner.