Details

LOT 0357

Large Stuart Period Gold Heraldic Signet Ring with 'Scottish Rothesay Family' Arms

17TH CENTURY A.D.

1 in. (14.20 grams, 24.10 mm overall, 20.80 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V 1/2, USA 10 3/4, Europe 24.4, Japan 23)).

With a D-section hoop flaring out to an oval bezel bearing the engraved incuse arms 'party per fess, two fleurs-de-lys and chequy (in four rows of six pieces)' with bird-head crest above and foliate tendrils at sides.

Provenance

From a 1990s private collection.
Property of a European gentleman.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11907-205633.

Literature

Cf. Oman, C.C., British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974, pl.50(f), for type.

Footnotes

While linking this ring firmly to a branch of a family requires further research, the combination of two fleurs-de-lys with a partial chequy in a coat of arms is connected to the badge of the Rothesay Herald of Arms and also to the Dukes of Rothesay, sons of the Kings of Scotland and with the dukedom first conferred on David, eldest son of Robert III, in 1398 A.D. and the office of Herald passing down to the present day; the arms on this ring could perhaps be connected to this dukedom or office.