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LOT 0326
Tudor Gold 'BE . TRVE . IN . HART' Posy Ring
CIRCA 16TH CENTURY A.D.
7/8 in. (4.25 grams, 20.66 mm overall, 18.06 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)).
Featuring a smooth exterior and D-shaped in cross-section, a flat internal face with an inscription in upper case Roman letters, reading 'BE . TRVE . IN . HART' for 'Be true in heart' with the stops formed as small crosses and the N reversed.
ProvenanceFound whilst searching with a metal detector near Edgmond, Telford & Wrekin, UK, by George Elymn, on 27 October 2024.
Recorded with the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) with reference no.HESH-B237EA; handed in as Treasure under the Treasure Act, and subsequently disclaimed and returned to the finder.
Accompanied by a copy of the Report for H M Coroner on finding of Potential Treasure, with reference no.2025T1645.
Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum explaining that the Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed.
Cf. The Portable Antiquities Scheme, record nos.YORYM-438136, WILT-0BD081, GLO-44FA36, YORYM-407F5C and NMS-070AE2, for variations of the motto; see also the British Museum, London, museum nos.AF.1210 and 1961,1202.96.
FootnotesThe 'posy' name is derived from the 'poesy' (motto) engraved around the hoop. In medieval examples, the posy is usually found around the hoop exterior, although on later examples, inscriptions were more usually engraved on the interior. Rings with amatory inscriptions can be found from the 14th century AD onwards, when they served as love gifts, betrothal and wedding rings. Posy rings were also given to friends or used to mark significant occasions. Posies were composed by the giver, kept in stock by goldsmiths, or could be selected from published compendiums or commonplace books such as 'The Mysteries of Love or the Arts of Wooing' (1658 AD), or 'Love's Garland or Posies for Rings, Hand-kerchers and Gloves and such pretty tokens that Lovers send their Loves' (1674 AD). Rings were one genre of personal item amongst many to be adorned with posies at this time.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0326
Tudor Gold 'BE . TRVE . IN . HART' Posy Ring
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£400 (EUR 464; USD 540) +BP*
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Late Renaissance Double-Sided Heliotrope Cameo of Christ and the Virgin in Gold Ring
Italy, 17th century A.D.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,750
Comprising a dark green oval cameo with bright red flecks, on the upper side, a veiled head of Mary with a solemn expression, the underside featuring a classical depiction of bearded Jesus with long hair and wearing a draped garment; set in a substantial gold ring with a wide hoop. 15.59 grams, 25.53 mm overall, 16.26 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13390-257998.
It was believed that the scarlet flecks in the stone were the blood of Christ, hence its popular use for the subject of Christ throughout the Middle Ages until the 19th century. -
Post Medieval Bronze Coins and Trade Weight Group
17th-20th century A.D.Estimate: £20 - 30 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
Comprising ten round and rectangular weights, including one with a crown over fleur-de-lys, one with fleur-de-lys, a square weight with profile bust, a square lead weight, and others. 59.6 grams total, 14-19 mm
Found Suffolk, UK. -
Grand Tour Glass Gemstone with Philosopher in Gilt Metal Seal
18th century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Comprising an openwork metal frame with a loop, set with a dark red glass intaglio with a seated mature man gazing downwards and dressed in voluminous robes. 6.67 grams, 29 mm
UK private collection, acquired on the English art market in the 2000s.
