Silver finials such as this crowned the hats of mandarins, officials and officers. The headgear of men of importance during the Qing period was called ‘Qing Guanmao’ and consisted of a black velvet cap in winter (see Quick Find 5945 & 5947), or a hat woven of bamboo strips in summer (See Quick Find 5944), both with a button on the top. The button or knob would become a finial during formal court ceremonies held by the Emperor and the different materials used for the knobs would indicate the rank of the wearer. Red silk tassels extended down from the finial to cover the hat and a large peacock feather (with one to three ‘eyes’) could be attached to the back of the hat. The sphere has small dents and most of the gilding is rubbed. It dates from the late Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912) or early Republic Period (1912 - 1947). Height 3.8. Diameter at its widest point 3.2 cm.