Post Medieval Gold 'Godlye Love Wil Not Remove' Posy Ring

A gilt silver chalice with bowl decorated with repoussé arcading, fluting and entwined motifs, balustered stem with ovoid centre adorned with pseud-architectural and leaf detailing, fluting below splaying out onto a circular foot bearing an applied oval armorial cartouche; interior base with foliate roundel in raised relief; dated 1589 in Roman numerals incised on the base. 309 grams, 13.5 cm high



English private collection.

A substantial gold signet ring composed of a lentoid-section hoop, expanding capital style shaped shoulders and irregular octagonal bezel engraved with a skull, two flowers below separating the reversed initials in capitals: 'CL', framed by a beaded border. 15.65 grams, 27.14 mm overall, 22.68 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25)



Acquired in the 1980s. Property of a London gentleman. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11664-197587.

Signet rings were jewellery items serving practical functions, and were pressed into hot wax to seal letters and packets. Personal seals or secreta acted as a legal safeguard, since they were used to witness wills, loans, commercial, personal and other documents. Such rings were often engraved with a coat of arms, initials, merchant's mark or some other personal symbol. Painted portraits of this period portray the wearer with the signet ring on the thumb or forefinger, allowing for practical use. Skulls on rings were potent symbols of mortality. 'Memento mori' or 'remember that you must die' imagery served as a reminder to the Christian of the need to keep their soul in good order for the final judgment.

A repoussé bronze plaque presenting a Christian religious scene with Christ seated in majesty above nimbate apostles, Saint Paul and Saint Peter at the centre; gilt border and wooden frame. 1.3 kg, 40 x 40 cm



English private collection.