FINGER RING 499378

Description: A complete, cast gilded copper-alloyp signet ring of post-medieval date (c. 17th century AD). The large flat bezel is oval in form with a flat upper surface (18.95 by 15.75mm). Engraved within it is a merchant's/privy mark formed of elaborate symmetrical knotwork surmounted by a tun, all within a fine pellet border. At the centre of the design, emerging from the knotwork to each side, are the initials 'T' and 'E', reversed for stamping. The sides of the bezel are decorated with three incised lines. The ring's shoulders narrow gradually into a fairly thick hoop which has a D-shaped cross-section; the interior is flat. The shoulders are decorated to a point around halfway down the sides of the hoop. At this halfway point is a fleur-de-lis from which emerges a central stalk, with fronds to each side, and a trefoilate top that abuts the lines at the bezel and whose sides leaves have defined elements. The artefact has corroded to a red/brown colour with generous survivals of gilding. There are some small areas of green corrosion product.

Date: 1600 - 1700

Object type: FINGER RING

Last import: August 15, 2017