Code: 13087
This is an imposing medieval bronze signet ring, dating to the 13th-14th century. The ring is a large, robust example, designed for everyday use by merchants for sealing letters and documents. The oval bezel is cut with a sprig of broom, a devise known as a "Planta genista", used as a livery of the House of Plantagenet, a powerful royal dynasty that ruled England for over 300 years, from 1154 to 1485. Such a livery devise would be used to show support and authority of the king, especially with the sealing of contracts. .This type of signet ring is a well-known English type, recorded as SUR-1E9C1C, LEIC-5170A3 and WILT-F88607. It is a good example, intact and with a nice dark English green patina!
OBJECT: Signet Ring
CULTURE: Medieval
DATE: c. 15th - 14th century A.D.
MATERIAL: Bronze
RING SIZE: 8 3/4 (US) R 1/4 (UK)
SIZE: 22mm x 22mm x 9 mm
WEIGHT: 4.59 grams
PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection, Truro, United Kingdom
