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Details
LOT 1858
Large Medieval Bronze Signet Ring
15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (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)).
D-section hoop and disc bezel with 'R' between fronds and crown above; attached to a collector's card with sample seal impression. [No Reserve]
Provenance
From the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), thence gifted during her lifetime to a gentleman collector friend from South East England.
Footnotes
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.
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Large Medieval Bronze Signet Ring with Crowned R for Richard
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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. -
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.
