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LOT 1838
Celtic to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
1ST CENTURY B.C.-16TH CENTURY A.D.
3/4 - 1 in. (30.32 grams total, 19-25 mm).
Comprising six rings with decorative bezels, one with a recessed cell to the centre. [6, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000.
From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
Cf. for some medieval types Mills, N., Medieval Artefacts, Witham, 2003, p.48, fig.NM.113.
FootnotesThe finger rings worn by merchants and tradesmen were made of different metals. The commonest were in brass or bronze. The merchants and tradesmen ordered various devices to be engraved on the bezels of their seal rings, and sometimes they gave the appearance of being heraldic blazons.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Bronze Marriage Couple Annular Brooch
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
The frame formed as a couple with joined hands raised to head-height and the other hand placed on the chest, dancing on a curved baseline; tongue coiled about the waist of the male. 8.82 grams, 34 mm
Ex Norwich, UK, dealer, early 1980s. From a London, UK, private collection since the 1980s. -
Medieval Lead Seal Matrix
13th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
Discoid with slit to rim and remains of attachment pin; incuse legend to rim: '* S' RICARDI LEMVNER' (seal of Richard the Miller). 17.7 grams, 33 mm
Found Norfolk, UK. -
Medieval Signet Bronze Ring with Web
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
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.
