Loading, please wait...
LOT 0336
Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull
17TH CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (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)).
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.
ProvenanceAcquired 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.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 197587, for a very similar ring dated c.1600 A.D.; cf. The V&A Museum, accession numbers M.272-1962, M.378-1927 and M.273-1962, for broadly comparable examples.
FootnotesSignet 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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 0336
Stuart Period Gold Renaissance Memento Mori Signet Ring with C.L. and Skull
Sold for (Inc. bp): £19,500
-
.jpg)
Gilt Framed Set of Historical Prints
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
A set of four framed and glazed historical prints: William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, engraved by W. Holl., published London, 1833, by Harding & Lepard; Horation, First Lord Walpole, engraved by W. Holl., published London, 1835, by Harding & Lepard; Henry Spencer, First Earl of Sunderland, engraved by H. Robinson, published London, 1832, by Harding & Lepard; Walter, First Lord Aston, engraved by W.T. Mote, published London, 1832, by Harding & Lepard. 2.35 kg total, 32.5 x 24.5 cm each
Fair to fine condition.
Ex property of a North London, UK, gentleman. -
South American Silver Spoon Pin with Birds
18th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A large silver spoon composed of an ovoid bowl, rectangular neck with tapering upper sides and tapering round-section stem, the neck decorated with geometric and foliate motifs, flanked by a peacock on both sides with wing and tail feather detailing; repaired. 67 grams, 27 cm long
Acquired in 1988. UK private collection. -
Tudor Period Ring with Armorial Intaglio
Circa 16th-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
A ring composed of a slender hoop with octagonal bezel, set with an armorial glass intaglio; remains of polychrome enamelled cells to the vertical faces of the bezel. 5.89 grams, 28.05 mm overall, 19.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
Found Cambridgeshire in the 1990s.
