Limestone Madonna and Child Statue

A gold signet ring composed of a D-section hoop and facetted oval bezel, engraved with crest depicting a forearm and hand oriented right, holding a floral spray composed of three five-petalled flowers and four leaves, set within a beaded octagonal border. 9.78 grams, 24.40 mm overall, 20.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)



Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a London gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11663-197588.

Signet rings were jewellery items serving practical functions, and were pressed into hot wax to seal letters and packets. Personal seals or secreta acted as a legal safeguard, since they were used to witness wills, loans, commercial, personal and other documents. Such rings were often engraved with a coat of arms, initials, merchant's mark or some other personal symbol. Painted portraits of this period portray the wearer with the signet ring on the thumb or forefinger, allowing for practical use.

A gold finger ring with segmented flange to the bezel open to the underside, cell with notched rim, inset carnelian cloison with incuse gryllus motif. 8.05 grams, 25.33 mm overall, 22.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, USA 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13)



Acquired at auction. English private collection.

A mixed group of mainly bronze buttons including figural, armorial and military types. 196 grams total, 12-29 mm



Found Suffolk.