LOT 1886

Very Large Medieval Bronze Signet Glove Ring with Crowned R for Richard between Branches

15TH-16TH CENTURY A.D.

1 in. (13.09 grams, 27.45 mm overall, 21.81 mm internal diameter (approximate size British W 1/2, USA 11 1/4, Europe 25.66, Japan 24)).

D-section hoop and ellipsoid bezel with 'R' in a frame beneath a crown and flanked by fronds. [No Reserve]

From the collection of Dame Joan Evans (1893-1977), thence gifted during her lifetime to a gentleman collector friend from South East England.

Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 640 for type.

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.