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Details
LOT 0345
Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions
15TH CENTURY A.D.
1 in. (4.72 grams, 23.64 mm overall, 20.45 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18)).
With applied outer layer of gold engraved with flowers and the words, “en bon an” (twice) (‘a good year’); the flat bezel with a recessed centre set with a medieval mother-of-pearl intaglio depicting a male bust in profile; supplied with a museum-quality impression.
Provenance
Found whilst searching with a metal detector in Dorset, UK, on Sunday, 30th December 2018.
Acquired on the English art market.
Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.DEV-5E4EDA.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13069-248371.
Literature
Cf. Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) no.DEV-5E4EDA.
Footnotes
The inscription is in black letter appears to read “en bon an”, a good year. The inscription is paralleled on a good number of 15th century rings, often also decorated with flowers and branches between the words, such as British Museum catalogue numbers AF.1057 and 1960,1103.1.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0345
Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions
Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680
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