Jun 30, 2024
Manicure set, before 1545
This is one of two manicure sets found on the Mary Rose.
Made entirely of bone, the individual sections are still held together with a single pin which acted as a pivot, allowing the set to be opened, similar in style to a modern Swiss Army knife. A small bone loop affixed to the pivot provided a point for attachment of a lace for securing to a belt.
It was part of a toiletry set, along with a comb, shaving kit and a mirror. Based on its location outside the carpenter’s cabin, as well as the presence of several tools inside, we’re confident it belonged to one of the carpenters.
