English Medieval Bronze Signet Ring crowned letter "W"

Code: 12093

This is a large medieval bronze signet ring, dating to the 15th - 16th century. The device consists of a crowned letter "W"  rendered as two deeply incised V-shaped cuts, appearing doubled, and with a schematic open crown above it. Such a signet may have been worn by a merchant to seal and authenticate transactions and letters. It is a large and robust ring in excellent excavated condition. Similar signet rings have been recorded from South Ferriby NLM-E8DFF6, East Riding of Yorkshire YORYM-AAE526, and from Ashwell BH-CA395D. Where they have been associated with the pilgrimage centre at Walsingham and as merchants' rings. 

OBJECT: Signet Ring

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 15th - 16th  century AD

MATERIAL: Bronze

RING SIZE:  10 1/4     (US)     U   (UK)

SIZE: 26.1mm x 24.4mm x 4mm (bezel 14mm x 11.9mm x 4.1mm)

WEIGHT:  6.15 grams

PROVENANCE: A metal detecting find from Northamptonshire, United Kingdom.