Every year, the archer's guild competed for the king's title. In this competition, they shot an imitation bird. Whoever managed to shoot down the bird became king and received a necklace from the hands of the chief. Traditionally, a bird called a ‘parrot’ hangs at the bottom of this jewel.
This gilded specimen was made in Gothic style around 1525 and belonged to the Kolveniersgilde of Nivelles. The break consists of seven cast and chiselled plates. Six of these plates are openwork and decorated with thistle motifs, putti and acanthus leaf motifs. The front plate is decorated with thistle motifs and two baluster columns topped by a banderole with the text PLUS/OVLTRE. These surround the central coat of arms of Charles V. To its left is Saint Gertrudis, the patron saint of the town of Nivelles, and to its right Saint Barbara, the patron saint of the guild. The hinged plates are finished with baluster columns, under each of which hangs a small muzzle.
This chain is one of the oldest pieces in the large collection of guild silver and, according to tradition, is said to have been given to the Kolveniers by Emperor Charles.