Loading, please wait...

Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
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.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

Live Bidding

LOT 0345

Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions

Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Medieval Bronze Christian Ring with Greek Inscription
    Medieval Bronze Christian Ring with Greek Inscription
    15th-16th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £33

    D-shaped in section with tiered bezel, incised legend '+ P[..]OΔHMO'. 6.83 grams, 23.38 mm overall, 18.02 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



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

    Lot Details

  • Celtic to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
    Celtic to Medieval Bronze Ring Collection
    1st century B.C.-16th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £91

    Comprising: a coiled ring with a coiled bezel; a ring with a raised oval bezel with linear motifs; two rings with an incuse motif on the bezel; two rings with recessed cells to accept an insert. 21.97 grams total, 19-26 mm



    Acquired on the UK and EU art market before 2000. From the private collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

    A similar cast ring with a silver sheet and notched decoration was found in the Necropolis of Zabran, Zemun, and dated 10th-15th century A.D. These rings were often decorated with geometric and abstract lines.

    Lot Details

  • Medieval Lead Seal Matrix of Walter Gleive
    Medieval Lead Seal Matrix of Walter Gleive
    13th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £52

    Doscoid in plan with lug; tondo with stylised plant motif; border with Lombardic script legend ' + SIGILL WALTERI GLEIVE' (seal of Walter Gleive). 22.8 grams, 37.5 mm



    Found Norfolk, UK.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list