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LOT 1316
Medieval and Other Ring Collection
15TH CENTURY A.D. AND LATER
5/8 - 1 in. (49.7 grams total, 17-26 mm).
A mixed group of copper-alloy rings of various types and sizes, mostly with engraved geometric motifs to the bezels, together with a 'year' ring incised with a tally of 'III'. [10, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1990s-2000.
Property of an East London gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Silver Artefact Group
Circa 14th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
A group of two silver artefacts comprising: a possible finial formed as a bird seated on a domed base with suspension loop to reverse; a comma-shaped mount or fitting displaying an entwined motif and with four mounting claws to the underside. 12 grams total, 18-25 mm
Essex gallery, early 2000s. -
English Medieval Silver Chessman Type Seal Matrix
Early 15th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £702
A silver chessman-type seal matrix with pierced trefoil finial; incuse motif of Christ crucified facing flanked by two supporters in profile; Lombardic script legend to the edge " *IESVSNAZERNVS" (Jesus the Nazarene). 12.7 grams, 27 mm
The Matrix Collection, formed by David Morris since the late 1980s. Matrix Collection catalogue no.1101. Many of the seals within the collection were published in a book titled 'The Matrix Collection', by David Morris in 2012. -
'The Chinnor' Medieval Gold 'None So Well' Decorated Posy Ring
Circa 1400-1500 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210
A gold posy ring composed of a waisted band with pearled and raised upper and lower borders, each decorated with a circumferential ring of pellets, the central section engraved with a blackletter French inscription: 'nul ce bien' ('none so well'), each word separated by sunbursts and flowers; plain interior. 1.83 grams, 18.11 mm overall, 16.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Found whilst searching with a metal detector by Kevin Ford on 25th January 2020 in Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Report (PAS) number OXON-FF9F8E. Accompanied by a letter to HM Coroner for Oxfordshire from the Treasure Registrar at the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the ring with treasure reference number 2020 T76. Accompanied by a letter from the finder detailing the circumstances of the find. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11657-196665.
French Gothic blackletter inscriptions on finger rings were associated with the culture of chivalry and courtly love; a historic example of gifts and tokens as expressions of love. Some scholars note that black letter inscriptions are prevalent on love rings between the 13th-15th centuries. Although such rings could be both English and French in origin, it is believed that most were English, with French inscriptions. Note that the PAS offers a different interpretation of the inscription on this ring.
