Chessman type with flared base and short shank, collar and loop; incuse image of central fleur-de-lys, inscription reading *S: ILETRVAT. 9.5 grams, 21 mm



From the private collection of the late Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK, acquired 1980s-1990s.

Comprising a round-section hoop and a large oval disc bezel; the bezel with concentric voids filled with enamel. 7.42 grams, 27.10 mm overall, 21.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S 1/2, USA 9 1/4, Europe 20.63, Japan 19)



Found UK. Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

This type of ring with a very large oval bezel finds a good parallel with a bronze specimen found in the area of Smederevo. The use of the enamel could suggest the continuation of the ancient Roman tradition in the territories under the Eastern Roman Empire.

Bezel formed as two hands clasped in mane in fede motif. 3.17 grams, 23.17 mm overall, 19.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

D-section hoop and disc bezel with 'R' between fronds and crown above; attached to a collector's card with sample seal impression. 7.43 grams, 25.67 mm overall, 20.66 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)



From the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), thence gifted during her lifetime to a gentleman collector friend from South East England.

Dame Joan Evans, DBE, FSA, FRHistS, enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an author and historian. She was appointed the president of the Society of Antiquaries in 1959, the first woman to hold this position, serving until 1964. From 1948 to 1951, Joan Evans served as President of the Royal Archaeological Institute. She received the Society’s gold medal in 1973. Joan Evans was honoured with a host of honorary degrees and fellowships, as well as fellowships of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Literature. She was a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur, and was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 1976. She served as a trustee of both the London and the British museums, and as a member of the advisory council of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

D-section hoop and ellipsoid bezel with crowned 'R' inside a cartouche. 6.39 grams, 25.21 mm overall, 20.28 x 19.83mm internal diameter (approximate size British U, USA 10, Europe 22.52, Japan 21)



From the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), thence gifted during her lifetime to a gentleman collector friend from South East England.

Dame Joan Evans, DBE, FSA, FRHistS, enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an author and historian. She was appointed the president of the Society of Antiquaries in 1959, the first woman to hold this position, serving until 1964. From 1948 to 1951, Joan Evans served as President of the Royal Archaeological Institute. She received the Society’s gold medal in 1973. Joan Evans was honoured with a host of honorary degrees and fellowships, as well as fellowships of the Royal Historical Society and the Royal Society of Literature. She was a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur, and was appointed a Dame of the British Empire in 1976. She served as a trustee of both the London and the British museums, and as a member of the advisory council of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

With transverse bars to the shoulders, cell to the bezel with inset green glass cabochon. 4.25 grams, 26.90 mm overall, 19.04 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Comprising a D-section expanding hoop and an oval bezel with a grid design resembling a spider's web. 7.99 grams, 23.53 mm overall, 18.97 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

In the Middle Ages, the signet ring became a distinctive sign of belonging to a specific noble family or clan, or Guild. The ring, with the coat of arms or symbol of the Guild or Corporation engraved on the bezel, was pressed onto melted sealing wax to seal letters, edicts, and contracts, guaranteeing the document's authenticity.

With broad triangular flange, low-relief incised herringbone bands. 7.26 grams, 35.55 mm overall, 21.19 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

Comprising of rectangular plaque with low-relief lion regardant; one with integral pierced lug above, one with two attachment loops. 9.65 grams total, 27-33 mm



From the private collection of the late Graham Slater (1927-2024), Cambridge, UK, acquired 1980s-1990s.

Comprising six rings with decorative bezels. 28.6 grams total, 21-25 mm



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

A similar ring with a silver sheet and notched decoration was found in the Necropolis of Zabran, Zemun, and dated 10th-15th century A.D. These rings were often decorated with geometric and abstract lines.

Comprising a D-section hoop and a large discoid bezel with hatched border and geometric motifs, tracing a Christian symbol. 3.17 grams, 19.75 mm overall, 16.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The ring, which gradually widens towards the shoulders, transitions into a slightly raised and circularly flattened bezel that seems to have been decorated with a roughly engraved Chrismon. This category of rings finds parallels in the Balkans and is dated 13th-14th century A.D.

The hoop expanding at the base, lentoid-shaped bezel with stylised eagle with its wings spread open. 7.57 grams, 24.14 mm overall, 19.12 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

These kind of rings, possibly used as signet rings, find their parallels with artefacts from Eastern Europe, especially in the area of Smederevo. Comparison elements can support a 15th-century A.D. date.