English Medieval - Gold Inscribed Ring with Sapphire > Lot No. 595

Size, weight:
21mm diameter; 2.25 grams.

Description:
Circa 13th century AD. A rare gold finger ring with triangular section hoop, its two upper faces divided into four sections by moulded saltire crosses; each section of the outer two faces alternately engraved with letters and symbols (?) or with incised cabling; the lettering obscure, reading S E [?] E? [?] W? A? I N T A; such enigmatic inscriptions were often of magical significance; the bezel in the form of a triangular cell containing a natural sapphire stone.

Grade condition:
Very fine.

References:
Cf. Oman, plate 14, 18, etc.

Provenance pedigree:
Found Lincolnshire, 2009. Disclaimed under Treasure Act, 1997 (reference 2009T17) and offered here with a copy of the confirmatory British Museum letter (dated 4th June 2009) and their report.

Export licence:
No

Low estimate: £1,500
High estimate: £2,500

Auction: Friday 19th March 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £3,200