Code: 12838
This is a superb and very rare Renaissance silver vervel, a metal detector find from France. The vervel is decorated with the royal arms of the Kings of France, three fleurs, inscribed around in Roman Capitals reading as AV + ☾ + ROY (AV presumably would stand for August and Roy for the King). The surfaces are gilded in a pale lemon gold, and the stirrup shape would allow for the arms.
A vervel (also spelt 'varvel'), or hawking ring, is a small metal ring, often of silver, which was part of the equipment used by hunters who hunted with birds. A bird had a leather jess, or thong, tied to each leg, at the end of which was a vervel. The vervels had two functions, the most important of which was to identify the bird with its owner, as hunting birds were expensive to train and maintain. Many vervels are engraved with the owner's name and place of residence. The inscription on this one states that the bird belonged to the King of France (at this time, it would have been King Francis I). The other function of the vervel was to attach the jesses on the bird's legs to a leash, which in turn tied the bird to its perch or block. The arms were in use throughout the medieval period into the 17th century, but the style of lettering was in use during the early 16th century, allowing for a more precise date. King Francis I of France was a great patron of falconry, a popular sport among the European aristocracy during the Renaissance. He kept a large collection of falcons and hawks and employed many falconers.
Vervels are rare, other examples recorded from England include one from Compton (SUR-44916D), East Herefordshire (HESH-4DED0C) and one from Eaton Bray CP (WMID-1738A6). This would certainly benefit from further research from specialists!
OBJECT: Vervel Hawking Ring
CULTURE: Medieval
DATE: c. 1500 - 1550 A.D.
MATERIAL: Silver (gold gilded)
SIZE: 15mm x 13mm
WEIGHT: 0.96 grams
PROVENANCE: From an old collection, Grand Est, France
