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.

LOT 0345

Medieval Silver-Gilt Ring with Male Head Gemstone and Inscriptions

Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,680

Print page

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

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £111

    Comprising: six rings with decorative bezels; a ring with a twisted hoop and a domed bezel with rope border. 18.52 grams total, 19-25 mm



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

    Similar cast bronze rings with stylised animals and chevrons or other geometric patterns were found in the Necropolis of Zabran, Zemun, and dated 10th-15th century A.D. These rings were often decorated with stylised images of animals and geometric patterns.

    Lot Details

  • Large Medieval Bronze Bury St. Edmunds Signet Glove Ring
    Large Medieval Bronze 'Bury St. Edmunds' Signet Glove Ring
    15th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £46

    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.

    Lot Details

  • Medieval Bronze Clasped Hands Wedding Ring
    Medieval Bronze Clasped Hands Wedding Ring
    16th-18th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £169

    Bezel formed as two clasped hands, each emerging from a lobed cuff. 2 grams, 20.43 mm overall, 18.10 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O 1/2, USA 7 1/4, Europe 15.61, Japan 15)



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

    Lot Details

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