Code: 12857
This is a fine example of a Tudor gold posy ring, dating to the mid- to late 16th century. It is engraved on both the inside and outside of the band. The inscription is in Roman capitals and reads "DEVOP FES TON". Originally, I was told it meant "believe in me" or "trust me", but I have been unable to translate it in any known language. I had thought about the message being hidden, and only the giver or receiver would know. This could be an important clue if it meant life and death, so during this period, it would relate to Catholics and a term known as "Recusants" meaning to "Refuse" the Church of England. The lettering would relate to letters in a book, that when matched up would spell out the message - such as "Keep the Faith" or "rather die than faith deny". But without the code book or letter, this ring has so far been undecipherable for me! The best example of this would be Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder plot in 1605!
OBJECT: Posy ring
CULTURE: Renaissance / Tudor
DATE: 16th century c. 1550 - 1600 AD
MATERIAL: Gold
RING SIZE: 5 1/8 (US) K (UK)
SIZE: 18mm x 3mm
WEIGHT: 1.51 grams
PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection in Gloucestershire
