Medieval Bronze Clasped Hands Wedding Ring

D-section hoop and octagonal bezel with 'R' in a frame; attached to a collector's card with sample seal impression and legend 'Bvry St Edmvnds J.W.'. 10.53 grams total, 28.13 mm overall, 23.57 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Z+2, USA 13 1/4, Europe 31.31, Japan 30)



Found Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK. 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.

Each and S-curved hook with median collar. 20.1 grams total, 25-41 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

The lower shank with twisted ropework detailing and carinated bands, the shoulders with raised median beaded bands flanked by flowers; the bezel in two panels, each with a reserved standing figure, a female saint in floor-length robe; Virgin Mary on the left panel holding infant Jesus; St Catherine supporting her attribute, a wheel. 6.17 grams, 21.27 mm overall, 16.93 x 17.98 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



From a South London family collection of religious artefacts formed in the late 1970s to mid 1980s; thence by descent. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13032-247895.

This type of ring has been found in England, Scotland, Ireland and therefore appears to originate from the English regions, or from the territories under English domination. For the identification and use of these so-called iconographic finger rings and further parallels, you can see two detailed comparative examples in the Koch Collection. Many of these iconographic rings also had engraved love inscriptions, although not in our case. These finger rings differ only slightly in ring shape and decoration, but vary in the depictions of saints.