Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0302

'The Chinnor' Medieval Gold 'None So Well' Decorated Posy Ring

CIRCA 1400-1500 A.D.

3/4 in. (1.83 grams, 18.11 mm overall, 16.35 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)).

A gold posy ring composed of a waisted band with pearled and raised upper and lower borders, each decorated with a circumferential ring of pellets, the central section engraved with a blackletter French inscription: 'nul ce bien' ('none so well'), each word separated by sunbursts and flowers; plain interior.

Provenance

Found whilst searching with a metal detector by Kevin Ford on 25th January 2020 in Chinnor, South Oxfordshire, UK.

Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Report (PAS) number OXON-FF9F8E.
Accompanied by a letter to HM Coroner for Oxfordshire from the Treasure Registrar at the British Museum disclaiming the Crown's interest in the ring with treasure reference number 2020 T76.
Accompanied by a letter from the finder detailing the circumstances of the find.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11657-196665.

Published

Published on the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme Database, record id. OXON-FF9F8E.

Literature

Cf. The V&A Museum, accession number M.219-1962, for a very similar 15th century ring; cf. The Portable Antiquities Scheme Database, record ids. PAS-A36D2D and NARC-394C24, for similar ring types of this dates and BERK-1893D5 for a similar ring and inscription; cf. Evans, J., English Posies and Posy Rings, OUP, 1931, p.12, for this inscription in black letter.

Footnotes

French Gothic blackletter inscriptions on finger rings were associated with the culture of chivalry and courtly love; a historic example of gifts and tokens as expressions of love. Some scholars note that black letter inscriptions are prevalent on love rings between the 13th-15th centuries. Although such rings could be both English and French in origin, it is believed that most were English, with French inscriptions.
Note that the PAS offers a different interpretation of the inscription on this ring.

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 0302

'The Chinnor' Medieval Gold 'None So Well' Decorated Posy Ring

Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,210

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Tudor Gold +Amor Vincit Decorated Posy Ring
    Tudor Gold '+Amor Vincit' Decorated Posy Ring
    Circa 16th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235

    A gold posy ring with raised foliate band externally, inscribed '+AMOR VINCIT' for 'Love Conquers' in Roman capitals. 1.72 grams, 17.46 mm overall, 15.47 mm internal diameter (approximate size British I, USA 4 1/4, Europe 7.44, Japan 7)



    Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.

    Omnia vincit amor, translating to 'Love Conquers All' and abbreviated on this ring, is one of the most famous of all Latin expressions. It is still used today, in the original Latin, in translation and in its alternative version ‘Amor vincit omnia’; the expression originally comes from the Roman poet Virgil, (Publius Vergilius Maro) most famous for his epic Aenid; the phrase appears in his first work, Eclogues.

    Lot Details

  • Medieval and Other Lead Artefact Group
    Medieval and Other Lead Artefact Group
    15th century A.D. and later

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £85

    A mixed group of lead artefacts mainly comprising spindle whorls, bag seals, seals and weights. 1.35 kg total, 13-41 mm



    Found Wiltshire, Suffolk, Tyne and Wear, UK.

    Lot Details

  • Medieval Ring with Cross
    Medieval Ring with Cross
    Circa 15th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £52

    A copper-alloy ring composed of a carinated hoop featuring five raised panels alternating with decorative grooving, raised plaques at the shoulders with faux herringbone work, trumpet-style bezel engraved with a stylised cross within a roundel. 10.95 grams, 29.36 mm overall, 18.40 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17)



    Acquired in the late 1990s-2000. Property of an East London gentleman.

    Lot Details

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