Medieval Silver Gilt Ermine Glove Ring

Code: 10186

This is a nice medieval silver-gilt glove ring, dating to the 14th - 15th century A.D. The ring has an octagonal shaped bezel, engraved with three ermine tails. The shoulders are decorated with ermines in the form of a heater shield. The ring retains the original lemon yellow gilding, slightly pitted by age. The use of ermines was a privilege of royalty and of high ranking peers. This device was used by the Duchy of Brittany (on their seal from 1318). By 1381 John V, Duke of Brittany had established his Order of the Ermine to inspire his knights (as did the English Order of the Garter). Such a ring may have been worn to display membership or allegiance, worn over a glove as a token of loyal service. Today it has survived in excellent condition, retaining much of the original gilding. A nice medieval ring that can still be worn again today.

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 14th - 15th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt

RING SIZE:  12 1/2 (US) Z (UK)

SIZE: 25.94mm x 25.38mm x 4.06mm (bezel 9.69mm x 8.85mm x 3.11mm)

WEIGHT: 4.44 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection