Medieval - Gold Black Letter Inscribed Posy Ring - 'DVNTRE E JOYE' > Lot No. 864

Description:
Circa 15th century AD. The band flat internally and dished externally with an external inscription in Black Letter script reading 'DVNTRE E JOYE'. The words separated by floriate engraving and a quatrefoil.

Measurements:
1.12 grams, internal 15.76 mm.

Condition:
Extremely fine condition, fully wearable. Rare.

References:
See Joan Evans English Posies and Posy Rings, pp. 5 to 15 for examples of similar Black Letter inscriptions in both French and English.

Provenance:
From an old English collection.

Comments notes:
This ring featured on the Antiques Roadshow (Chichester, broadcast 9th December 2002) and is listed in the BBC Antiques Price Guide website (at £2,500-£5,000).

Estimate: £1,750 - 2,500 (EUR 2,170 - 3,100; USD 2,770 - 3,960)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £4,700