^.;;;MJ^ i;i '#*' i^?? ly ki'^\ .,^>>; 0« > / ^ THE LIBRARY OF THE UNI\^RSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES CATALOGUE OF FINGER RINGS OXFORD HORACE HART, PRINTER TO THE UNI^'ERSITY FRANKS BEQUEST CATALOCxUE OF THE FINGER RINGS EARLY CHRISTIAN, BYZANTINE, TEUTONIC, MEDIAEVAL AND LATER BEQUEATHED BY SIR AUGUSTUS WOLLASTON FRANKS, K.C.B. IN WHICH ARE INCLUDED THE OTHER RINGS OF THE SAME PERIODS IN THE MUSEUM KY O. M. DALTON, M.A. ASSISTANT KEEI'ER OK 'IHE DEPARTMENT OF BRITISH AND MEDIAEVAL ANTIQUITIES AND ETHNOGRAPHY LONDON PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES SOLD A T THE BRITISH MUSEUM AND BY LONGMANS & CO., 39 PATERNOSTER ROW BERNARD QUARITCH, 11 GRAFTON STREET, NEW BOND STREET, W. ASHER & CO., 14 ISKDFORI) STREET, COVENT GARDEN AND HENRY FROWDE, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, AMEN CORNER 1913 \AIl rights >i'served\ I Library-- The present volume is iiiteiuled to supijlemeiU the Catalogue of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman fm^er-rins^s to which allusion is made at the beginning of the Introduction. It inchidrs all the rings of post-classical times in the Museum. The system upon which the Catalogue has been drawn up, and the difficulty of handling many of the points that arise with tinalit\-, or even on logical lines, have been pointed out on a subsequent page. The major part of the collection dealt with in this \oIume, like a considerable part of that in the Catalogue already published, was comprised in the valuable bequest of Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, K.C.B., my predecessor in the charge of this department. During his ofificial career of forty-five years he hatl unceasingly added to the riches of the Museum, particularly in his own department; and at his death, in 1897, he left to the Trustees practically anything they chose to select from the various series he had retainetl for his lite. Chief among these was the collection of finger-rings, the; accumulation of many years, and of many hands. As will lie seen from the pages of the Catalogue itself, this Collection .so far surpas.sed that alread\- in the Museum both in numbers and in importance, that it .seems a fitting tribute to pay to the ' Franks Recjuest ' to give th(; rings thus acquired the leading place upon the title-page. uBsers vi PREFACE For help in several directions in the preparation of the volume, thanks are due to Mr. Stanley Adam ; to Sir Harry Poland, K.C., whose knowledge in connexion with the rings of serjeants-at-law has been freely placed at our disposal ; to Mr. Longworth Dames for the elucidation of many oriental inscriptions ; and to the Society of Anti- quaries of London for the loan of several illustrations which have been used in their publications. I have read through the proofs of the Catalogue, and in many cases compared the descriptions with the specimens themselves. C. H. READ. Department of British and Medi.\eval Antiquities and Ethnography. March, 1912. Note. — The measurements and weights of the specimens are given in English denominations, but parallel tables are provided by means of which the necessary reductions can be made. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE V LIST OF PLATES x LIST OF WORKS USEFUL FOR THE STUDY OF RINGS . . . xi INTRODUCTION xiii CATALOGUE A. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE RINGS. I. Chiefly from Italy and befoke a. d. 600 : a. Inscribed ........•• ' I). Uninscribed ...,.....■ 4 II. From the Christlvn East ; a. Inscribed : r. Iconographic ......... 7 2. Marriage and Betrothal .....-• 8 3. Acclamations and Prayers . . . ■ ■ • 10 4. Names and Monograms . . . • • • '4 b. Uninscribed : 1. Iconographic .....■••■ '^ 2. Marriage and Betrothal • . . • • ■ 21 3. Miscellaneous .....■••• ^i B EARLY TEUTONIC RINGS. I. Continental : a. Inscribed ... ..••■• 23 b. With Human and Animal Figures 26 c. Ornamental ......■• • ■ 27 II. Anglo-Saxon and Viking : i. Anglo-Saxon: <;. Inscribed ... ....••• 29 /'. Ornamental . ...-••• 3* ii. Vikinsr .....■•■••• 35 VllI TABLE OF CONTENTS C. SIGNET-RINGS. I. Fkom a. d. iooo To 140°: page a. Set with Antique Gems ........ 37 6. Engraved with Arms and Devices . . . . . . 41 II. Froji A.J). 1450 TO 1650: i~e, xiv, p. 741, mentions one Benedetto Peruzzi as an engraver of the latter part of the fourteenth centurj- ; see also Cicognara, Storia delta Sciitliira, ii, p. 127. For the whole subject see C. W. King, Antique Gems and Rings, pp. 412 fi". ^ See C. W. King in Arch. Journal, xxi, p. 319 ; xxii, p. 1 18 AT. Also other notices in the same Journal, iii, p. 76; iv, p. i;o; vi, p. 435 ; .\, p. 328: .\i, pp. 84, 266; xiii, p. 369 ; .\vi, p. 357 ; xxvi, p. 84. See also Proc. Sec. Antiquaries of London, 2nd series, i, p. 51. INTRODUCTION XXI diamond was not entjjravcd before the Renaissance, and the credit of first accom- plishintj the feat has been ascribed to various persons. Gorlacus mentions Jacopo da Trezzo of Milan > as the inventor of the process. Charles the Hold is said to have liberally rewarded L. de Berquem for cutting the diamond, but his work- was probably of a simpler character.'^ At an earlier date some of the faces of the crystal of diamond had been polished, and the stone set in rings, the polished pyramid of the octahedron projecting, the unpolished remaining embedded in the bezel.^ Glass pastes,-* simulating gems, had been familiar to the Romans, and their use was continued by the Teutonic tribes,^ who also knew how^ to enhance the effect b>- the use of the foil.'' which is a metallic leaf of variable colour placed under a clear paste or gem, or a gem of inferior quality, to enhance the effect. The doublet is a thin piece of colourless or pale stone, cut table fashion, to the lower side of which a coloured paste is cemented ; the paste is hidden by the mount, and the upper surface answers all the tests for hardness." Cardan * describes various methods of simulating or improving gems used in his day and similar to those now practised. For the supposed medical and amuletic properties of gems sec below, p. xliii. Precious stones have always pro- Niello and vided the principal embellishment of ^'^^™^'- finger-rings, whether there be a single gem in the bezel, or a series covering a great part of the surface. But from a very early period the surface of hoop and bezel might be enriched with niello or enamel. The former substance, well known to antiquity, is found on rings of the Early Christian centuries ; it is common on Byzantine rings, and contributes in a striking manner to the Fig. 3. Signet worn on Thumb. (.After Burlington Fine Arts Club Illustrated Cata- logue of Early German Art, 1906, plate xxii. School of Nuremberg.) ' He engraved a diamond with the arms of Philip II of Spain (C. W. King, Antique Gems and Rings, p. 426). Caradosso is also stated to have first engraved the diamond. - C. W. King, Arch. Journal, xxi, p. 322. For the diamond signet of Charles I, now at Windsor, see C. D. E. Fortnum in Archaeologia, xlv, p. 26. This was perhaps engraved by Francis Wahvyn. ■" For precious stones in their scientific and artistic relations see Precious Stones, by Sir Arthur Church, new edition, 1905 (Board of Education, South Kensington). * .A. H. Church, Precious Stones, p. 51. " Deloche, Etude sur les anneau.v, &c., pp. xvi, xvii. Frankish tombs have yielded imita- tions of agate, amethyst, chalcedony, and emerald. Some of these may have been of Roman origin, but, when stones were not available, the barbaric tribes all employed glass in the manu- facture of their jewellery inlaid with pastes simulating garnets. " Ibid., p. xviii. ' .A. H. Church, p. 52. " J. Cardan, De subtilitate, &c., Bk. vii, p. 177. XXll INTRODUCTION effect of the Anglo-Saxon rings which form so valuable a part of the Collection. In the later mediaeval times it was chiefly favoured in Italy, where it is especially familiar in the characteristic love-rings of the fifteenth century. Enamel was but little employed on rings before the fourteentli century, after which period its use was continuous. Among the earlier groups which were regularly enamelled are the iconographic rings with figures of saints dating from the fifteenth century (nos. 722 ff.). In the sixteenth centur\% rings, like contemporarj- jewels, were sumptuously enamelled, and the process continued to modem times ; in the case of the large class of mourning-rings it is almost constant. Wearing The custom of wearing finger-rings has been continuous. It prevailed through 01 rings, g^ij {j^g earlier centuries of the Middle Ages, nobles and princes spending great sums upon rings as upon other jewels. Such inventories as that of Charles V of France at the close of the fourteenth century well illustrate the profusion of the great at a time when it was usual to hold property in the portable form of plate and jewels. The growth of commerce and the increase of prosperity in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries introduced luxurious habits among the middle class ; and the inventories and wills of the time reveal a remarkable wealth of such possessions. To this period belong the most numerous paintings and works of art illustrating the use of rings, the most valuable being the pictures of the Flemish and German schools, with their careful elaboration of detail, while ne.xt to these in precision come the works of Italian painters, from which a multitude of interesting facts may be derived. It may be here observed that pictures do not always afford the information we should expect, for during some periods when rings were certain!)- worn they are sparingly represented. The seventeenth century, as we know from the number of surviving examples, was still prolific in rings. But it is curious that they hardlj' ever appear in the portraits of the time ; and were we to argue from pictures alone, we might conclude that the fashion of wearing rings had fallen into general disfavour. A walk through any large picture-gallery will soon reveal the difference in this respect between the seventeenth century and the Renaissance. Rings are absent precisely where we should most e.xpect to find them ; the Court beauties of Lely at Hampton Court have hardly one among them, and the same absence is marked in contemporary portraits of both sexes preserved in other places. It may have been that Lely, Knellcr, and their followers considered that rings interfered with the effect of the hands; but the drawing is not always of such a quality as to justify the conclusion, and sitters of other periods have not removed their rings with the same uniformity. It is not until the second half of the eighteenth century that rings appear frequently again : the portraits by Sir Thomas Lawrence are especially valuable for their stud}'. The manner of wearing rings ^ is necessarilj' restricted, but the fashions of antiquity were for the most part preserved, and a few new customs were introduced. ' For customs in earlier times cf. F. H. Marshall, Catalogue, p. sxvi. INTI.:ODUCTION XXlll The second finger, the dij^^i/z/s iiifmiiis of the Romans, remahied tlie least popular, tliough it was not altogether avoided ; for example, to take instances from three different periods, the effigy of King John in Worcester Cathedral shows a ring on the second finger of the right hand,' St. Nicholas of B.iri in Signorelli's 'Virgin and Child ' in the National Gallery (fig. cS) wears one upon the middle finger of each hand, and one is found on the left middle finger of Lawrence's portrait of the Countess of Blessington. The other fingers were almost impartially used, though the third was perhaps the most favoured, especially for betrothal and marriage rings ; a ring was quite commonly worn by -^^^^^^M^i^^^^ both sexes on the thumb down to the sixteenth century. The Fig. 4. Signet on First Finger. From the allusions in Chaucer and Shake- ' f °"'''''',' °^,^ ''^'''" ' ^"'' ^'^^™' Christus (d. 1473). National liallery. speare to rings worn on the thumb are well known,- and signets were frequently carried on it (fig. 3)." The first finger, now seldom used for the purpose, frequently carried a ring, especially the signet.* Many portraits confirm the prevalence of this custom, ' C. A. Stothard, Mo7iuinental Effigies, pi. xi. In the Liber Regalis de exequiis regalibus it is stated that a gold or gilt ring was placed on the middle finger of the King's right hand on interment (Archaeologia, iii, p. 387). ■ Notes and Queries, 5th series, iv, p. 252 ; 4th series, x, p. iSo. ^ Accessible examples in works of art are — National Galleiy : Signorelli's ' Virgin and Child ' (ring worn by St. Nicholas of Bari) (fig. S) ; Solario, 'Portrait of a Senator' (no. 923); Lorenzo di San Severino, ' Marriage of St. Catharine ' (ring worn by episcopal saint) (fig. 10) ; M. Marziale, 'Circumcision' (ring worn by a woman on the left); M. Marziale, 'Virgin and Child' (ring worn by an episcopal saint) ; Aldegrever, ' Portrait of a Gentleman' ; Memlinc, ' Portrait of the Duke of Cleves ' (fig. 5 1. National Portrait Gallery : Edward IV ; Mary of Lorraine, Queen of James V of Scotland (1515-60). Hampton Court: Elizabeth Bourbon, Queen of Philip IV of Spain (School of Velasquez) ; B. Lichinio, ' Family Group ' (ring worn by the father) ; Zucchero, ' Queen Elizabeth.' Windsor Castle: Portrait of Richard III {Burlington Maga"ine, June, 1911, plate opposite p. 122). Wallace Collection : Van Dyck, ' Wife of Philippe le Roy.' Among monumental effigies may be mentioned that of Robert Lord Hungerford (d. 1455) in Salisbury Cathedral (C. A. Stothard, Monumental Effigies, pi. 130). A few other paintings may be mentioned : Hemline's ' St. Blaise ' in Liibeck Cathedral ; Raphael's 'Cardinal Inghirami' ; Rembrandt, 'A Jewess' ; Rubens. ' Marie de Medicis'. Sometimes two rings were worn on the thumb, as in Holbein's portrait of Jacob Meyer, Burgomaster of Basel. In one case, the monument of Bishop Oldham (d. A. u. 15 19) in Exeter Cathedral, a single ring appears to be passed over both thumbs. ■■ Cf. in the National Gallery Moroni's ' Portrait of an Ecclesiastic ', and the portrait of Dr. Fuschius by Bart. Bruyn. XXIV INTRODUCTION especially in the sixteenth century. Sir William Paulet. Marquis of Winchester, in the picture belonging to the Society of Antiquaries here reproduced (fig. 7 ; cf. fig. 4), affords an excellent illustration of the custom, and the picture is of additional interest in that the signet is of a kind very popular in England ; it is armorial, with the arms cut in crystal, the tinctures painted beneath so as to be visible but at the same time unexposed to damage from the hot wax (cf. nos. 316 fif. and p. xxxi below). The episcopal ring, as noticed elsewhere, was worn on the third or the first finger. The fourth finger of both hands was used for rings. The practice of wearing rings on the upper joints ^ was not uncommon ; there seems to have been no distinction of sex, for we find kings, popes, and dukes rivalling queens and other ladies in this particular. It was natural that the third joint should be more rarely chosen, but even of this examples can be found ; the monument of Lady Grushill in Hoveringham Church, Nottinghamshire, is a case in point.- An excessive predilection for rings seems also to have been shared by both sexes. The eftigy of Lady Stafford in Bromsgrove Church, Staftbrdshire (A. D. 1450), shows rings on every finger, and, centuries later, a portrait of the ^larchioness of Londonderrj- by Lawrence appears to show at least ten rings on the left hand.^ The hands of Queen ^lary Tudor, from the portrait by Lucas de Heere in the Librarj- of the Society of Antiquaries of London, have been selected for illustration (fig. 2) because the rings are very clearly painted. It will be obser\'ed that all the six are of a similar type. Though such a number as ten rings on one hand cannot perhaps be paralleled in the case of men, the occurrence of half a dozen for the two hands is frequent, from the eflig}' of Bishop Oldham mentioned on the previous page, to Raphael's familiar portrait of Julius II in the National Gallery (fig. la). Johann Reuss, in Cranach's portrait in the Germanic Museum of Nuremburg (a. D. 1503), has three rings on the little finger of the right hand, with a thumb-ring and another on the left.* Heavy rings were often worn by children : Holbein's ' Princess Eliza- ' The custom of wearing rings on the second joint of the finger is illustrated in the following pictures : National Gallery: Ambrogio Borgognone, 'Family Portraits' (no. 780); M. Marziale, ' Circumcision ' (rings worn by woman on the left) ; ' Portrait of a Lady ', German School (no. 722); R. van der Weyden. ' Portrait of a Lady' (no. 1433' ; Mabuse, ' St. Mar>' Magdalen (no. 2163) : Memlinc, ■ Duke of Cleves' (fig. 5) ; Benozzo Gozzoli, 'Virgin and Child with Saints' (ring worn by St. Zenobius). Hampton Court: Savoldo, 'The Holy Family' (ring worn by the donatrLx). Windsor Castle: Portraits of Henry V and Henr>' VI, painted for Henrj- VII {Burlin^on Magazine, June, 191 1, p. 122). * C. A. Stothard, Monumental Effigies, pi. 110. ' For numerous rings a few pictures may be mentioned. The portrait of the Countess of Richmond, mother of Henr)- \T1, is a good example for England. Signorelli, ' Virgin and Child with Saints,' National Gallery— St. Nicholas of Bari wears five rings (fig. 81 ; Holbein, 'Jacob Meyer, Burgomaster of Basel '—five or six rings on the left hand ; Sir Thomas Lawrence, ' Lady Peel ' — six on the third finger of the left hand ; ' Portrait of Benedikt von Hertenstein ' (fig. 16). ' E. Flechsig, Tafelbildcr Lucas Cranachs des Alieren. 1900. INTRODUCTION XXV bcth ' at Hampton Court, represented at the age of thirteen, has four massive gold rings with gems; Velasquez' portrait of the Infanta Maria Teresa, afterwards Queen of Louis XIV, now in the Prado at Madrid, shows the princess wearing two heavy rings on the right hand ; at the time when the portrait was painted she was ten j-ears of age.' Rings were worn over gloves especially by ecclesiastics, but also by other persons. Pictures in the National Gallery illustrate the custom.- The habit of slashing the fingers of the gloves in order to show the rings beneath appears to have been common about A. 1). 1500 and is often shown in the works of Lucas Cranach ; the hands of Iiis 'Judith with the head of Holoferncs' are reproduced (fig. 13) to illustrate the custom, which, as other pictures by Cranach show,'' was adopted even by bishops. Finger-rings were worn on the person in other ways than on the fingers. Sometimes they appear strung round the neck, as in several portraits by Cranach, of which one, that of the Elector John the Constant of Saxony, painted in 1,526, is here partly reproduced (fig. 6); * a portrait of an old lady by an artist of the School of Cranach affords an even better example (fig. 15). The reason is possibly to be sought in the general belief in the amuletic properties of precious stones (see p. xliii). At other times a ring is seen threaded on the cord of a hat.^ Yet another manner of wearing a ring was to suspend it from the neck by a long string. Examples of this are seen in portraits of the Tudor period, for instance in the portrait of Robert Cecil, first h^arl of Salisbury, Fig. 5. H.ANDS of the Duke of Cleves. From the portrait by Memlinc in the National Gallery. ' The fondness for rings in the latter half of the sixteenth century is proved by the number mentioned in the inventories of the middle classes. Thus the inventory of Laurence Rookbye, merchant, mentions nine gold rings, weighing zf oz. (Surtees Society, xxxv, p. 429). " Botticini, 'St. Jerome with SS. Damasiis, Eusebius, Paula, and Eustochium' (no. 227) — St. Damasus wears five rings over his gloves (fig. 11); Lorenzo di San Severino (no. 249), ' Marriage of St. Catharine'— four rings over the gloves of the episcopal saint on the right (fig. 10); cf. M. Maiziale, ' Virgin and Child enthroned,' a picture already cited ; Cranach, ' Portrait of a Lady' (no. 291). * Cf. also his portrait of Sibylla of Cleves. * E. Flechsig, Tafelbilder L. Cranachs des Atteien, 1900, pi. 88 ; pi. 87 and 89 illustrate the same fashion. " Portrait inthe Pinakothek at Munich of Bernhard I\', Margrave of Baden (1474-1536}, by Hans Baldung Grien {Classical Picture Gallery, .x. 32). XXVI INTRODUCTION in the possession of Viscount Powerscourt ; ' a second portrait of the same noble- man, belonging to the Right Rev. IMonsignor Lord Pet re and dated 1599, exhibits the same feature.- A ring worn on the hand is occasionally further secured by a string or band. A portrait of Sir Henry Lee. K.G., by Sir Antonio IMore, painted in 1,568, and belonging to Viscount Dillon, shows the left thumb in a ring suspended by a cord round the neck.^ Rings were sometimes attached to objects of value, especially those of a devotional nature. The Waddesdon Collection in the British Museum affords an example of this custom in a devotional carving in wood of the fourteenth century, suspended by a chain at the end of which is a gold signet-ring, no. 229 of the present Catalogue.* Another instance is recorded in the inventory of the jewels of Henry V, in which we read of a gold devotional tablet set with rubies, sapphires, and pearls, and, fastened by a chain, a ring set with a diamond.^ Examples like this recall the offering of rings among otiier jewels at famous shrines, among others, that of St. Erkenwald in old St. Paul's." Rings are sometimes seen, in pictures, upon the cylinders on which they were kept in jewel caskets or cabinets. The portrait of Costanza de' Medici by Lorenzo di Credi in the National Gallery (no. 2490) shows one with three rings upon it. Another (fig. 17) occurs in the portrait of a jeweller by a painter of the Saxon School.' Such cylinders, obviously the most convenient carriers of rings, seem to be mentioned in mediaeval inventories.* EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE RINGS" Early Christian rings have been so often described that little need be said of them here. The pagan usage of wearing the ring, especially the signet, was retained by Christians, who engraved the bezels with names and acclamations, ^ E.vhibited in the Tudor E.xhibition, 1890 (Catalogue, no. 330). ' Ibid. no. 312. ' ' Ibid. no. 268. * C. H. Read, The Waddesdon Bequest, Catalogue of Works of Art, no. 231. * The inventory was made in the second year of Henry VI. The entry, after describing the tablet, continues : et ung Anul pendatit p ung cheyne a dit Tabiilet, garniz d'un Diatn. (Rotuli Parliametitorum, iv, p. 21S). Another entry (p. 220) mentions: I Anulx pendatit a I Cheyne, ovec I Diainand garniz de xviii Perles. * \V. Sparrow Simpson, St. Paul's Cathedral and Old City Life, pp. 12, 15. ' Portfolio of Anonymous German Masters, published by the Burlington Fine .\rts Club, London. ' The inventory of jewels taken with Piers Gaveston (T. Rymer, Foedera, vol. iii (ed. 1706), p. 389: item, sur un autre baston sept Aneux). ' C. Babington in Smith and Cheetham's Dictionary of Christian Antiquities, s. v. Pings; H. Leclercq in Cabrol's Dictionnaire danheologie chretienne, s. v. Anneaux ; Martigny, Des anneaux dis premiers Chretiens, &c., Macon, 1858, and Dictionnaire des antiquites chretiennes, s.v. Anneaux; F. X. Kraus, Real-Encyklopiidie, s. v. Ring; E. Waterton, in Arch.fournal, xxvi, pp. 137-47 : xxviii, pp. 268-77, 284-91. INTRODUCTION XXVll e.g. vii'as in Deo. sometimes accompanied by the bust of the owner, or with those symbols of the dove, the fish, the fislicrman, tlic anchor, the sliip, &c., whicli St. Clement declared to be the proper devices for Christian usc.^ Examples of these s)inbols appear on rintjs in the Catalogue, and on engraved gems of the same period in the Museum Collections.- W'c know from St. James ■■ that in the time of the Apostles wealthy Christians wore gold rings ; and that several of the Fathers found reason to protest against extravagance in the manner of wearing such ornaments.'' A few surviving rings may be earlier than Constantine, but the greater number are of the fourth and succeed- ing centuries, and in form resemble contemporary pagan work.'' We may specially note the key-rings (nos. i and 3) and no. 12, which is in the form of a shoe, intended to indicate full possession of the thing sealed. The commonest material is bronze, but a considerable proportion are of gold : silver rings are rarer. In a few cases the ring is cut from the solid stone, such as carnelian (e.g. no. 30). The Christian betrothal-ring was usually of p-j^j^ (,_ Rin(;s worn round gold from the second century onwards.'' It was the_ Neck. From a portrait ., I • 1 . • 1 i 1 ■• - of Kurfiirst John Constans of not necessarily plam, but might be sometimes in- g^^^^y ;„ ^^ Coll. of Prince scribed with a legend. It is probably impossible George of Saxony, Dresden. to distinguish between the betrothal -ring and that used during the ceremony of marriage ; ' most early mentions of the ring seem to apply rather to the former.' East Christian and Byzantine rings exist in considerable numbers, the later e.xamples showing affinities with Saracenic types. The signet persisted throughout the period of the East Roman Empire ; those of precious metal are chiefly of the earlier centuries. More numerous are the bronze e.xamples of the middle periods. A large series has the invocation: O Lord preserve the tcearer, ox thy servant ' Paedagog. iii, ch. xi. Other devices not mentioned by Clement are the Good Shepherd, sacred monogram (C/ii Rho), palm-branch, the lamb, alpha and omega, &c. " Catalogue of Early Christian and Byzantine Antiquities, plates i and ii. ' Ep. ii. 2. ' Tertullian, de halt, muliehr. c. 5 ; De cultu feniinancni, c. ix (Migne, Pair. Lat. i, col. 1 314) ; Apol. c. 6; Clement of Alexandria, as above; Cyprian, de Hab. Virg. c. 14; Basil, Howil. ad Divit, c. 4 ; Jerome, Epist. ad Laet. c. 5— all cited by Babington. '^ On the forms see C. D. E. Fortnum in Arch. Journal, xxvi, p. 1 38. ° Tertullian, Apologet. c. vi (Migne, Patr. I.at. i, col. 302). ' Leclercq in Cabrol, as above, col. 2191. ' See Babington, as above, p. 1808. The wearing of the ring on the third finger of the left hand was probably the earliest usage in Italy (A. du Saussay, Panoplia Episcopatis, p. 263 ; Deloche, Etude . . . sur tes anneaux . . . des premiers sic'ctes, p. Ixi). It must be remembered that when the ancient writers speak of 'the fourth finger' they mean our third, since they counted the thumb as the first. XXVIU INTRODUCTIOX such a one : and a still larger group, monograms embodying a similar formula, or composing the owner's name (nos. 95 ff.). The intaglio gem was little, if at all, used for sealing, the lead bulla stamped by a die being commonly used for attestation of documents.^ Amulet-rings were freelj' worn under the Byzantine Empire, and two examples may be noticed (nos. 59,' 73) ; the Medusa-like head of no. 59 was supposed to preserve from colic. The most remarkable rings in the Collection are the gold marriage-rings enriched with niello, which may be as early as the seventh century (nos. 46-9), the earlier marriage-ring (no. 127), the gold signets (nos. 38, 88, 94, iii, 112), the ring containing a coin of Marcian (no. 130) with its hoop fashioned in the shape of two hares. It is to be feared that the association of no. 94 with the Emperor Manuel Comnenus is too conjectural to be seriously maintained, though there are a few rings in other collections assigned with some probability to historical persons.- EARLY TEUTONIC RINGS ^ The Teutonic tribes who invaded the Roman Empire were great wearers of rings ; archaeological discoveries show that these ornaments were worn by adults and children of both sexes.^ The number of graves excavated in France, Germany, and England is large and the material for comparative study extensive. A considerable proportion of rings are signets, with portraits, names or mono- grams, and emblems such as the cross, the Clii Rho, dove, &c. ; most of these have the designs cut in a metal bezel.* Gems being rarely engraved before the ninth centur)-, intaglios in Teutonic rings are almost always antique, which usually means Late Roman. The subjects of these are figures of Victory, Jupiter, Fortuna, and others of the same kind, the legend, if any, being engraved round the metal setting. But, as already stated, there seems to be some evidence for the cutting of intaglios in the seventh century in the case of the rings made for the Bishops Agilbert, Ebregisilus, and Arnulph (pp. xix, xx). The signets of Frankish kings are mentioned below. Teutonic rings were frequently of gold or silver, the latter being sometimes gilded. The commonest method of ornamentation is by ' After the Early Christian centuries the Byzantine gem-engravers seem to have preferred to work in cameo. - G. Schlumberger, Melanges iVarch. byz. i, p. 349, massive gold ring with the name ot Basil 1 ; gold ring with the name of Aetius, patrician, and Stralegus, slain by the Saracens in the ninth century (ibid. p. 43, and Leclercq in Cabrol, as above, p. 220S). ' M. Deloche, Etude historique et arch^ologique sur les anneaux sigillaires et mitres des premiers sihles dii may en Age, Paris, 1900; the same, ' Le port des anneaux dans Tantiquite romaine et dans les premiers si^cles du moyen age,' in Mem. de CAcad. des Inscr. et Bellcs- Lettres, xxxv, 2'' parlie, p. 226. * Barri^re-Klavy, Les arts indiistriels des Gatiles, Album, pi. Ixili-lxiv. Such was the signet of Childeric, now lost, described by J. Chifflet, Anastasis Childerici I Francorum regis, &c., 1655 ; see also Deloche, Etude, p. 1S9. INTRODUCTION XXIX applied wire, and by pellets, while some rings arc set with contiguous table garnets, or pastes simulating them, these being the features which most con- spicuously distinguish the Early Teutonic from the Roman ring. Some rings are nielloed, and a few arc enamelled, though these arejjrobably not earlier than the ninth century. The rings finuid in pagan i\nglo-Saxon cemeteries are for the most part plain in character (nos. J87 ft'.). But the later Anglo-Saxon series contains in addition a number of fine gold rings independently found on tlic surface of the ground ; some arc enriched with niello, two bearing royal names (sn; above, p. xiv). The ring of Alhstan, Bishop of Sherborne, now at South Kensington, is also richly nielloed ; and the group as a whole confirms the opinion of the ability of Anglo-Saxon goldsmiths which we derive from such objects as the Alfred Jewel in the Ashmolcan Museum at Oxford. Among other notable Anglo-Saxon rings is one in the same museum with a name Ehlla (?) and what has commonly been read as a profession of faith [Fides in Christo). A few Frankish rings appear to have been given as betrothal-rings, among others that conjecturally assigned to Basine, Queen of Childeric I ; ^ but, as with Early Christian rings, it seems impossible to assert of any that they were used in the actual ceremony of marriage." SIGNETS Early Christian, Byzantine, and Early Teutonic signets have been incidentally mentioned (p. xxvii), but a few details may here be added. St. Augustine's signet is said to have had an intaglio head in profile. Clovis, King of the Franks, at the beginning of the sixth century promised to recognize the letters of the Galilean bishops if authenticated by their seals.^ About the same period Avitus, Bishop of Vienne, describes the manner in which he desired his signet to be made — with a swivel, and engraved with his name in full and in monogram.* The signet of Arnulph, Bishop of Metz, a gold ring with a carnelian engraved with a fish in a basket between smaller fish, is preserved in the cathedral at that city.'' The seal becoming more and more essential in illiterate ages, the use of the signet-ring continued practically without a break after the fall of Rome. It was essential to the Franks and other Teutonic tribes, who, as already stated, ' Deloche, Etude, &c-, no. clxxx. The story of the sending of a betrothal-ring by Clovis I to Clotilda is told by Fredegarius, His/aria Francorum epitomata, c. xviii (in Migne, Pair. Laf. Ixxi, col. 584). ^ In Gaul the ring seems to have been worn on the right hand, contrary to the usual practice in early centuries (Deloche, Etude, p. Ixi). ' Anulo sigiuitas. Gregory of Tours, in Migne, Patr. Lai. Ixxi. * Letter Ixxviii, in Migne, as above, lix, pp. 280-1. Cf. E. Le Blant, Inscriptions ckri't. de la Gaule, ii, p. 50. •'■' Martigny, Dictionnaire des antiquith cArc'tiennes, s. v. Anneau episcopal. As already noted (p. xx), the signet of Ebregisilus had an intaglio representing St. Paul the Hermit (Smith and Cheetham, Dictionary of Christian Antiquities, col. 1S04). C XXX INTRODUCTION commonly engraved a name, monogram, or device upon a metal bezel,' or set an antique intaglio in the ring." Throughout the duration of the Byzantine Empire, KiG. 7. PoRTKArr OF THE i\Iar(juis of Winchester id. 1572), in the possession of the Society of Antiquaries of London, showing armorial signet. ' .Monograms were, however, occasionally cut on gems, as in tlie already-cited case of St Avitus, whose ring was set with a Tcr/ia/is lupis. • The Merovingian kings used rings for the signature of state documents, and these were kept by a dignitary known as the rc/ercndarius. Sigebert II appointed St. Bonitus, Bishop of Cltrniont, to this office, antiulo ex manu regis rccepto (L'/e, Jan. 15) ; and the rcfeyeiuiariiis of Dagobert, fatlier of Sigebert, sealed documents on the king's behalf with the royal ring or seal : aiinulo regis sive sigilloab eo sibi commisso (Aimo, Eccl Hist. iv. 14, quoted by Babington INTRODUCTION XXXI and all through the Middle Ages in the West, the signet retained its importance ; * from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, though the need for it was less, it lost little of its popularity, and, while the more rapid methods of our own day have reduced its practical value, it still holds its ground, albeit in most cases for potential rather than actual use. The antique gem continued in favour as a signet down to the fifteenth century and even later ^ (cf nos. 2 1 7 fif.), but, with the establishment of heraldry, the armorial signet was generally adopted by all entitled to bear arms, lixamples from Italy become frequent with the fourteenth century ; in other countries they are not common until the century following. But the best examples in this style belong to the period of Elizabeth and the first two Stuarts ; and our own country could prob- ably produce as fine types as any other — witness the series in the present Collection alone. The seal of arms was probably worn by almost every gentleman, and was so familiar an object that Sir Thomas North, translating an episode in Plutarch's Life of Artaxerxes, talks of Clearchus drawing a ' scale of amies ' from his finger ; the mental picture of what a signet should be was evidently so precise that it is insensibly reflected in his language, even though he goes on to .state that the ring was ' graven with the dance of the Caryatides '. The wills and inven- tories of this time make constant mention of armorial signets, which were often specially bequeathed. Two examples of such bequests may suffice to illustrate the practice.^ A type of armorial signet has been already mentioned (p. xxiv), which enabled the tinctures of the arms to appear, and thus lent the ring a more decora- tive character ; it was especially popular in England. In these rings the arms are engraved in crystal, under which they are repeated in colour, so that the ring can be used for impressions without wearing the colours away. The signet of Mary Queen of Scots(no.3i6),the most interesting historical ring in the Collection, is of this t}-pe, which is well illustrated in contemporary portraits ; among these may be noted that of Sir William Paulet, Marquis of Winchester, to which allusion has been made (p. xxiv; cf. fig- 7). The man not entitled to bear arms might seal with a device, either chosen at random, or concealing his name imder the form of a rebus (cf. no. 329) ; * if a merchant, he might use a merchant's mark (cf. nos. ^-fi, 559, in Smith and Cheetham, Dkt. of Clirisiian Aiitiqiiilics, col. 1S03). I'epin is said to have sealed with an intaglio representing the Indian Bacchus, Charlemagne with a Jupiter .Serapis. For the early Frankish royal signets see C. W. King in Arch. Jimrnal, x.xii, p. 121 ; and Rev. Arch., 1S64, p. 319. ' See above, pp. xxvii, xxviii. ^ The non-annular signets for private correspondence {secreta) are of just the same character as the rings ; good examples are in the British and Victoria and Albert Museums. Cf. also Proc. Soc. Anfiguaries 0/ London , i, pp. 163-4 > Arch. Journal, viii, p. 419. ' Will of Robert Lewen, Nov. 26, 1562 : I give my ring 7eith the seall of my amies to Georg Lewen (Surtees Society, vol. cxii, 1906, Wilts and Inventories, p. 26). Will of Robert Swift, Jan. 14, 1599-1600: To my most deare and entirely beloved father, my ringc, icith the armes of the Siuiftes . . . (Ibid. p. 175). * Cf. also Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, 2nd series, ii, p. 363. C 2 XXXU INTRODUCTION 576. &c.).' Persons in comparatively humble walks of life used bronze signets with very rough designs ; the seal-rings bearing capital letters surmounted by crowns - were evidently very generally worn, as the number in existence is large (nos. ^^54, &c.). Though, as already observed (p. xxiii), the signet might be worn on the thumb, it was verj^ commonly placed on the first finger (cf. figs. 4 and 7:. In addition to the signet of Mary Queen of Scots the Collection contains few others of historical interest. That with the arms and initials of Henrietta Maria (no. 650) is not contemporary with that queen ; but interest attaches to the sapphire with the initials of the Old Chevalier (no. 652). It hasieen recalled (p. xxi) that the signet of Charles I is at Windsor Castle.^ In the East the signet has been in use from time immemorial, and was employed under all the ancient civilizations, the substance which received the impression being wax or clay.* No. 2333 shows Graeco-Roman tradition adopted by some partly hellenized people on the north-western borders of India, and was intended to make an impression in wa.v. In later times the Oriental signet was invariably made to give an impression in ink on paper, a method more suitable than our own to the hot climates of the East, and this rule applies from the most westerly IMohammedan countries to China and Japan. The Oriental signet commonly bears a legend, either with the name of the owner, or with a maxim, or text from the Koran (Section 'SI. i). DEVOTIONAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL RINGS Religious The wearing of rings with figures or legends of a devotional character has rings been general from Early Christian to modern times (cf. Section A) ; it did but increase as the Middle Ages advanced and the cult of the saints extended. In addition to Early Christian examples, the Collection contains a representative series of the types most usual in mediaeval and later centuries, beginning with rings bearing inscriptions of universal adoption such as Ave Maria gratia plena or lesus Nazarctius Rex Indaeoruin (nos. 681 ff., 701). One of the principal ' Pioc. Sec. Antiquaries cf Lojidon, xii. pp. 6-7 ; .xv, p. 239. For merchants' marks see also Arch. Journal, v, p. 5 ; x-v, p. 289 ; Journ. Brit. Arch. Association, ii, p. 113 ; xlix, p. 45 ; Norfolk Archaeology, ill, p. 177. ^ For these rings cf. Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, ill, p. 259 ; vi, p. 3S4 ; x, p. 296 ; xiii, p. 214 ; XX, p. 289, &c. ; Gentleman s Magazine, Ixxiv, p. 305. It may be of interest to give a reference here for another famous signet, the well-known ' bague de Saint-Louis' in the Louvre. M. E. Babelon considers that it is not earlier than the fifteenth centur)' [Catalogue des Camees antiques et modernes de la Bibliotheque Nationale, 1897, p. lsx.\i). The ring is figured by Barbet de Jouy, Gemmes et joyaux de la couronne, pi. xi. See also J. Labarte, Uistoire des arts industriels, iii, p. 204. * The discoveries of inscribed wooden tablets in Turkestan show us clay still employed in the early centuries of our era, and in some cases bearing impressions of Late Roman intaglios, probably set in rings (M. Aurel Stein, Ancient Khotan, pi. xcviii-c). INTRODUCTION XXXUl groups in the class is formed by the so-called icoiiographic rings, which derive their name from the sacred persons or saints with which their bezels are engraved (nos. 723 ff.). The type is characteristically English, the hoops being commonly wreathed, engraved with sprigs, and enamelled ; a note on p. 111 gives the names of the most popular saints and the reason for their choice. Icono- graphic rings were often engraved with mottoes such as mon ccenr avez, loial dhir, per bon amour, en ban an, &c., which seem to show that they were used as betrothal and New Year's gifts (nos. 722, 725, 746, 747). Special attention may be drawn to the Coventry ring (no. 718), and to no. 719, both with representations of the Fig. 8. Hands of St. Nicholas of Bari. From Signorelli's ' Virgin and Child with Saints", National Gallery. Five Wounds of Our Lord. Though not of the form adopted for iconographic rings, they essentially belong to the class. Memento mori rings (nos. 811 ff.) ' with a skull and cross-bones, or a complete skeleton, embodied ideas which had obtained general acceptance in the late Middle Ages, and are expressed in other minor works of art, such as ivory carvings, represented in the Mediaeval Collections.'^ Dccadc-'m\^s form another conspicuous group (nos. 788 fif.).^ These rings, of which surviving examples mostly date from the sixteenth century and later, have round the outer side a scries of knobs or projections, usually but not ' Such rings are found in inventories. Thoniasin Heath, in her will dated 1596, bequeathed to her sister ' a golde ringe with a deathe's head for a remembrance of my good will ' (Surtees Society, vol. cxii, p. 163). In Lov^s Latoiir'i Lost Biron compares Holofernes to ' a death's face in a ring '. A passage in Marston's Dutch Courtezan is often quoted to show that these rings were worn by light women about 1600. Sec F. Parkes Weber, Aspects of Death in Art, Indexi s. V. Memento mori. - Catalogue of Ivory Carvings of the Christian Era, nos. 441-4. ' Jones, Finger-ring Lore, p. 24S ; Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, vi, p. 59; Arch, fournal, v, p. 63 ; xx, p. 74 ; Gentleman's Magazine, Ixii, p. 6 12. XXXIV INTRODUCTION always ten, whence the name.' They were used in the recital of the Ave or ffaiV Mary (Luke i. 28\ the prayer being repeated as each knob passed under the finger ; when the bezel with its cross was reached the Pater Nosier was said. The example with the arms of Tichborne (no. 788) is of greater intrinsic value than most, for the decade was widely dift'used, and largely used by the illiterate who could not read their prayers. The Rev. Francis Trappes con- sidered that such rings were more common in England than elsewhere, since during the existence of penal laws they could be more easily concealed than rosaries.- The Collection does not contain examples of those rings containing relics of which there is frequent historical and documentaiy evidence. We read, for example, that Macrina, sister of St. Gregory of Nyssa, set in an iron ring a piece of the wood of the True Cross, recently discovered by St. Helena," and that Gregory the Great presented to princes golden key-rings containing filings from St. Peter's chains.* Inventories in like manner make mention of reliquary-rings : thus Elizabeth Lady Fitzhugh, in her will dated in 1427, bequeaths to her son Robert ' a Ryng with a Relyke of Saint Petre fingre '." A ring containing lignum dominiciim in a wardrobe account of Richard II would seem to be a relic-ring.'' Xor is there an example of a ring worn by a royal personage on fast days, such as the aniicl dcs Vcndrcdiz worn hy the King of France on Fridays.' Episcopal The ring was worn by bishops as by other Early Christians, but there is rings. uncertainty as to the time when it was first used as a symbol of their oflSce.* A ring was found on the finger of Caius, Bishop of Rome (283-96), when his tomb was opened in A. D. 1622,^ and Eusebius, bishop in A. D. 310, is said to have had a ring with the sacred monogram and his own name.*" A ring was ' The Rev. Francis Trappes, in a note on these rings in Journ. Brit. Arch. Associaticn, xiv (1858), p. 271, states that he himself had used a decade-ring at Stonyhurst, and that such rings were known as tens. This seems to dispose of Mr. Edmund Waterton's theory that the decade was not really a rosarj'-ring (Arch. Journal, xx, p. 74). - Ibid. p. 272. ' Greg. Nyss., Lift of Macrina in Migne, Patrol. Grace, xlvi, p. 990. The wood of the True Cross probably provided relics for rings in all centuries. * Gregory, Letters, i, Ep. xxxi ; vi, Ep. vi {see Migne, Patrol. Lut. Ixxvii, cols. 484 and 798). '■ Surtees Society, ii, 1835 {Wills ami Inventories), p. 74. ' W. Paley Baildon, Archaeologia, Ixii, p. 499. The inference is that the ring contained a fragment of wood of the Cross. ' As by Charles V (J. Labarte, Inventaire . . . de Charles V, p. S3). Two anneaux des Vciuirediz are mentioned, one with a cameo representing the Crucifixion, the other with a sapphire. * See Babington, in Smith and Cheetham's Dictionary of Christian Antiquities, col. 1803, and Leclercq in Cabrol's Dictionnaire if Arch, chrctienne et de Liturgie, col. 2181 ; Octavius Morgan, Archaeologia, xxxvi, p. 392 ; J. Kirchmann, De annulis, ch. .\.\. ° Aringhi, Roma Subt. iv, c. 48, vol. ii, p. 426; IJoldetti, Ciinit. p. 102. '" Du Saussay, Panopi, episc. p. 215. INTRODUCTION XXXV found in ihe tomb of Biiinus, Bishop of Dorchester (d. 640) ; " another in that of St. John of Beverley (d. 721).- The ring of Agilbert with an intaglio repre- senting St. Jerome has been noted (p. xix) ; the ring of Lcodegar or Leger, Bi.shop of Autun in the late seventh century, was prc-ei-ved in Paris in 1636 ;■' and the fine nielloed ring with the name of Alhstan, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, is'attributcd to Alhstan, Bishop of Sherborne. But in all these cases there is nothing to show that the ring had anything to do with the bishop's con- secration. There seems no proof that rings were used at the consecration of bishops before the latter half of the sixth century.* Mr. Octavius Morgan has already pointed out that in the Apostolical Constitutions, where there are minute directions for the ceremonial, nothing is said of rings ; and this is presumptive evidence, though the custom may have prevailed for some time before it was first recorded. Isidore, Bishop of Seville from A.D. 595 to 633, says in the second book of his Ecclesiastical Offices^ that the ring is given on consecration as a mark of pontifical honour and for the signing of private documents. A letter of Pope Boniface in A. D. 610" mentions the pontifical ring as attached to the episcopal dignity, and the twenty-eighth canon of the fourth Council of Toledo, held in A. D. 60^^,, decrees that a deposed bishop cannot be restored unless he receive the stole, ring, and staff again before the altar." The giving of the ring is mentioned in the sacramentary of Gregory the Great,* in the pontifical of Egbert, Archbishop of York (733-66), and in various early mediaeval services for ordination.' It seems probable that the earliest episcopal rings were usually signets ; ^" but in later times it \\ as customary to have an unengraved gem. This is stated in a decision of the Sjnod of Milan, and is borne out by the character of episcopal rings known to us ; but the words in which the decision is actually recorded are perhaps later than the seventh century. ^^ The episcopal ring, which was of gold, was at first placed upon the fourth (our third) finger of the right ' Surius, De vitis sanctorum, vi, p. 220, Venice, 1681. * Dugdale, Hist, of the Collegiate Church of Beverley, p. 55, in .Appendix to History of St. Paul's Cathedral. ' A. du Saussay, Panoplia episcopalis, 1646, ii, p. 1S3. Another early ring is conjecturally assigned to Leudinus, Bishop of Toul, A.D. 660 or 680. ' Babington in Smith and Cheetham's Dictionary of Christian Antiquities, p. 1804. ' Ch. V, § 12. ° Labbe and Cossart, Sacrosancta Concilia, v, col. 161S. ' Marriott, Vest. Christ, p. 75 ; Labbe and Cossart, as above, v, col. 1714. ' The references for this and the following data are all collected in Smith and Cheethani, p. 1806, and Cabrol, Diet. d'Arch. chretienne et de Littirgie, cols. 2182-3. ' Martene, De ant. rit. ecclesiae, i, ch. viii, art. xi, Ordo iii, Ordo v, Ordo viii, Ordo ix. Letters of Pope Nicholas I (858-67) and of Charles the Bald refer to rings of consecr;-,t;on (Leclercq, as above, col. 2183). '" Waterton, Arch, fourn. xx. 225. For the ring of St. Arnulph of Metz see above, p. xx. '' Caeteruni anulus episcopalis ex auro puro solide conflatus constat, cum geinvia pretiosiori in qua nihil sculpti esse debet (H. Leclercq in Cabrol, col. 2185 : Archaeologia, xxxvi, p. 397). XX XVI INTRODUCTION hand, the first mention of this usage being in a letter of Hincmar (845-52),' but later it seems to have been also worn on the first finger of that hand, for which use various reasons have been alleged, one that this first finger was known to the Romans as the Index Salutaris, and was the finger raised in commanding silence." The above facts establish the ancient use of episcopal rings in the primarj' sense of the word, those, namely, which were given at the ceremony of consecration. Fig. 9. Hands of ax Episcopal Saint. From a picture of the Flemish School in the National Gallerj- : 'A Count of Hennegau and his patron Saints.' But we must distinguish such rings from others worn by bishops in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. These are all described as pontifical rings in in\entories ; ^ and we can only conjecture which the real ring is by its position. Early pictures show bishops wearing numerous rings over their gloves (figs. JO, 11), and probably all of these would be described as 'pontificals'. Rings were worn both on fingers and thumbs when singing High Mass,* and the episcopal glove being rather thick, they had to be of large size. It seems possible that such rings were kept in cathedrals, to be used when required.' It was the usage upon the death of a bishop for his ring, presumably the consecration ring, to be handed over to the royal treasure, the phrase used being liberatns (or reddiius) in garderoba. The in\-entory of 2S Edward I affords numerous examples for our own country ; the rings of the Archbishops of Canter- ' Epistolae, xxix, in Migne, Patr. Lat. c.xxvi, col. 18S. Cf. J. Kirchmann, De annulis. p. 26. It has been already noted (p. x.\viil that the thumb counted as the first of five fingers. ' G. Longus, De anulis, p. 41 ; H. Kommann, De triplici annulo, p. 15. ' Cf. J. Wickham Legg. ' On an Inventor>- of the Vestry in Westminster .A.bbey taken in 138S ' (Archaeologia, Hit, where 'glovys and pontyfycales ' are mentioned. * D. Rock, The Church of our Fathers, ii, p. 169. ' The inventory of St. Paul's in 1445 mentions a case containing pontifical and other rings (\V. Sparrow Simpson, Si. P' inventory of St. Paul's, already quoted, states that a merchant presented to the shrine of Fig. 12. H.\NDS OF Pope Julus II. From the portrait by Raphael in the National Gallerj'. St. Erkenwald a sapphire renowned for its salutary influence in this respect ; and in Webster's DucJicss of Malfy allusion is made to the application of a ring as a remedy for sore eyes.- Sometimes the virtue lay less in the nature of the gem than in the association of a ring with a venerated person. Thus the ring of Edward the Confessor, to which allusion has already been made, is said to have long been preserved at Westminster, and employed as a remedy for epilepsy. ■* This may have suggested the first use of the Cramp Rings blessed at a special consecration service from the reign of Edward III, and deriving their mysterious power from contact with the royal hands.* • Martyrolcgiuin Gallicanum, October 2. = Act I, Sc. i. ' Polydore Vergil, Hist. Angl. Bk. viii. Cf. p. xv, n. I above. * Of these rings, which were probably plain hoops of silver and gold, no authentic examples sur^■ive ; their consecration was discontinued by Henry VIII, but for a time revived by Queen Marj'. See Notes and Queries, ser. I, vii, p. 88, and the references there given. Rings of less august association have been worn as remedies for cramp and fits down to modem times. In ihe nineteenth centurj-a plumber of Salisbury-, questioned as to the lead rings on both his hands, replied that they were for the cure of fits, and that to secure their efficacy, the lead had to be cut from a coffin at exact full moon [Notes and (Jueries, Sth series, ix, p. 357. Cf. also ibid. pp. 127, 253). For similar superstitions in ancient times cf. F. H. Marshall, Catalogue, as above, p. xxii. INTRODUCTION xlv The nature of the intaglio design cut in the stone was naturally held to affect Figures its powers. The ordinary subjects upon antique gems received from mediaeval ^. '".' fancy a meaning and a potenc)* far from the thought of those who first engraved them. An interesting thirteenth-century MS. in the British Museum, entitled Di- Siii/pturis lapidiivi} tells that the figure of Pegasus encourages boldness and swiftness; Andromeda conciliates lovers ; Hercules is a singular defence to com- batants : Perseus preserves from lightning and from devils ; a Siren cut in jacinth renders invisible ; a hare defends against the devil ; a dog and lion on the same stone avert the dropsy. The significance of early engraved gems in the Middle Ages is a subject which still offers possibilities of research. ^ The magical inscriptions in most general favour are largely of Hebraic origin, derived from cabalistic sources, the popular formulae remaining in use from the Romanesque age to the seventeenth century and later. These are for the most part without obvious sense to the uninitiated, the corruption of the words having in many cases gone too far for anything but a tentative reconstruction.' But others of Greek derivation are less far removed from their original ; ■* while parts of texts from the Vulgate," or invocations to sacred persons and saints, or simply their names, present no further difficulty. The names of the Magi, or Three Kings of Cologne, deserve especial mention as efficacious against the falling sickness and other maladies (nos. 885 ff.).'^ ' Sigils ' and astrological signs were naturally used in addition to verbal texts (cf. no. //o// caitr avcz ov per hon amor. The most extensive subdi\isions of love-rings are the groups known as Fede and Posy rings. F^iV-rings (nos. IC02 ff.) received their name from the two hands clasped in troth, which they alwa}-s have in a conspicuous position ; the type descends from Roman timcs.^ Sometimes it happens that a/tv/^-ring bears a religious or magical inscription, and examples of this kind afford yet another instance of the difficulty of classifj-ing rings, for it is not easy to say with certainty which has the most significance, the general type or an inscription which may be somewhat incongruous with it. The posy-x'm' of the Victoria and .\lbert Museum), p. 96. ' Joiirn. Brit. Arch. Assoc, x, p. 375. * .-Vulus Gellius, Miscell. x, ch. 10; Macrobius, Saiiiriuil. vii, ch. 13. ' .As already obser\ed, the fourth finger of the early writers corresponds to our third. • Notes anii Queries, 5th series, xii (1S79), p. 40S. ' Sir Thomas Browne, Vulgar Errors, i (iS52f, p. 390; J. Kirchmann, Dc annulis, p. 23, who describes the opinion as exploded. INTRODUCTION xlix so the wearing of the Ring on that finger significth that the love should not be vain or fained, but that as they did give their hands eacli to other, so likewise they should give their hearts also, whereunto that vein is extended.'' Jewish niarriagc-rings, well represented in the Collection, are obviously not Jewish intended for permanent wear ; their large size and inconvenient forms would ""'i^SS. alone disqualify most of ihcni for everyday use. In fact they were only placed by bridegrooms upon the fingers of brides during the ceremony, and are therefore purelj' sj'mbolical, as indeed the figure-subjects, where such occur, would themselves imply. There does not seem to be unanimity of opinion as to whether the gabled building, which in many rings projects as a bezel, represents Solomon's temple, or a synagogue ; the w riter in the Jeivish Encyclopaedia inclines to the latter supposition." Jewish marriage-rings almost invariably bear as legend, complete or abbreviated, the Hebrew words Mazzdl iob (Good luck). The better specimens are richly Fig. 14. Ring with qu.atre- ornamented with enamel and filigree in a style ^-^^ Ihe'pon^ait of' WU^^X suggesting either Venice or the South of Germany Constans of Saxony, in the Collec- as the place, and the sixteenth century as the ^i"" f I'"-'"" ^'^°'S<= °f -''axony. . (<-i. hg. 3.) time, of manufacture. None of the existing examples are said to be older than the thirteenth ccntur)', though the use of the ring as a symbol in marriage can be traced some six centuries earlier. The Collection contains no historical betrothal-ring like that of Mary Queen of Scots and Darnley. This ring, found at Fotheringay and now in the Victoria and Albert Museum,-' has on the bezel the initials M and H joined by a knot in the style of rings illustrated on plate VIII. I'.xamples like no. 420 have no personal association with the married pair, but arc merely commemorative rings bought in celebration of an auspicious event. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS Among the most interesting commemorative rings are those commonly known 'Stuart' as ' Stuart rings ' (nos. 1359 ff.), from the fact that they were worn by adherents of and other the royal house of that name.'' They generally have an enamelled head or bust ^{^gg^* ' 1 p. 28. Tlie book was actually printed in 1686. Sec Notes ami Qtteries, 7th series, iv, p. 2S5. "■ Article Rings, signed .\. W. Cf. also Catalogue of the Anglo-Jewish Historieal Exhibition, nos. 1822-31 and 1949-63. ' Arch. Journal, xiv ( 1857), p. 29S. Other rings of this type with the initials WS and A.W. have been claimed as the signet and betrothal-ring of Shakespeare. The evidence is by no means so complete as in the case of the ring of JNIary Queen of Scots and Darnley, for there is no inscrip- tion engraved in the interior ; both are said to have been foimd at Stratford (Gentleman's Maga::ine, l.xxx, pp. 321-2 ; Journ. British Arch. Association, iv, p. 389). " Gentleman's Magazine, Sept. 1788, p. 769 ; July and Sept. 1823. Examples of these rings 1 INTRODUCTION on the bezel, the most interesting being those with portraits of Charles I ; but other members of the Hne are represented — Charles II, James II. and the Old Vic. 15. Portrait OF A Woman : School of Cranach. (After Burlington Fine Arts Club, Illustrated Catalogue of Early German Art. plate xxvi.) Chevalier. Sometimes a Stuart ring will outwardly express loyalty to the Hanoverian djnast}' by exhibiting the portrait of the reigning monarch. But have been shown at various exhibitions, two at the Loan E>diibition of Jeweller)- at South Kensington in 1S72 ; Catalogue, pp. 77 and 79. For portraits of the Stuarts see the article by Miss Helen Farquhar, British Numismatic Journal, v, 1908. INTKODL'CTION ll this will form the lid of a locket, which when opened is found to contain portraits ol the Stuarts (no. 1372). Similar arrangements arc found in other objects carried b\- Jacobites, for example in snuff-boxes.^ Of especial interest in relation to the Jacobite cause are two almost iilentical rings (nos. 1417, J4'^). surviving examples of a scries made to commemorate the death of Lords Balmerino, Kilmarnock, Lovat, and Derwentwater, and others, executed in 1746 and 1747 for their connexicjn with 'the '45'; and the signet (no. 652) with the cipher of the Old Chc\-alier {Jacc/'i/s Rex) cut in a sapphire. Among other portrait-rings may bo mentioned nos. 1376, 1377, with William III and Mary ; and no. 1387, with William IV, enamelled by Henry Bone, R.A. : the greater number represent unidentified persons. Of rings commemorating events, those connected with Polish history have a peculiar interest (nos. 1426 ff.). A romantic association would attach to no. 1424, were the story told of it susceptible of proof. Numerically the most important among memorial rings arc those worn in Mourning- memory of the dead. These may be divided into two cla.sses ; those which were rings, not specially made for the purpose, but perhaps belonged to the deceased and were bequeathed as mementoes ; and mourning-rings proper, intended for distribution among relatives and friends. The custom of leaving a ring for remembrance probably represents a ver\' earh' form of bequest, and any ring so bequeathed is in a sense memorial; one instance of the thirteenth century has been already quoted in which rings are left to a number of clerics. The bequest ol a ring ' for a token ', or of money for the purchase of one, becomes a frequent feature of wills in the sixteenth century, though the engraving of the deceased's name or initials, the feature which constitutes the mourning-ring strictly so called, does not seem to become general until after .\. Ii. 1600.- A transition ' Joiirn. Brit. Arch. Assoc. .Nxvii, p. 379. - Bequests of rings mentioned in the wills published by the Surtees Society may be taken as typical. In vol. ii (1835) we find (p. 74) the following item, in the will of Elizabeth, Lady Fitzhugh, dated A. D. 1427: Als so I wyl vat my son William have a Ryng i\.'ith a dyamond. . . . On p. 161, in the will of Robert Hyndmer, a.d. 1558: I geve to the said Rattfe . . . a gold ringe with a reade seale of an Imaige. p. 234, in the will of John Horton, 1565 : Itetn, I give unto my brother Anthony Horton, for a token, my golde ringe w"' the seale of niyne armes, desirenge him to be good to my wiffe and my chitdringe as my trust is in him. Also I give to the right honourable and my singular good Lord the Lord E-werye for a token, one golde ringe 70"' a turkes in itt, desyringe him to be good Lord and ff rend unto my li'iffc and childringe. . . . Other bequests of rings in this volume w^ill be found on pp. 84^ S7. 295. 328, 3S5, 416. In vol. xxxviii (i860), p. 224, we may note the bequest by James Carre in 1593 of eight gold rings, one of w-hich had been given him by the King of Scots. Other bequests in the volume are on pp. 16, 36, 51, 117, 162, 321, 326. In vol. cxii (1906) we find in the will of Bertram Anderson, 1 570-1 : I give to my said mother-in-lawe Mrs. Isabell Franckiynge, for a token of my assured good ivill toward her, one goude ring. ... In the will of Thomas Harrison, 15S2: To my sonne fohn Harrison ico /. and my gould ringe for a token, which xveigheth an ounce, and my blessing withal. In the will of Jasper Bowdon, 1589 : to Barbarye Anderson, on gold ringe, in hope she wil not se my daughter Elionor and the rcsle of my children lackc. Other bequests are on pp. 9, 16, 61, 67, 83, 125. 130, 151. lii INTRODUCTION towards the conventional or ceremonial memento may be found in rings of which the testator himself chose the device, ordering several in duplicate for presentation to friends. Such are those left by Sir John Shaw, alderman of London, who in his will of A.I). 1487 directed sixteen rings of fine gold to be made and graven with the Wounds of Our Lord for presentation to his friends, the rings probably resembling two of similar date in the British Museum (nos. 718, 719).' The memorial rings designed by John Donne have been already mentioned, but we may notice in the same connexion the following clause in Sir Henry Wotton's will dated October i, 1637 : ' to each of the Fellows (of Eton College), a plain ring of gold enamelled black, all save the verge, with this motto within, Amor unit omnia.' " Throughout the eighteenth century the wearing of mourning-rings was general in England, and among literarj' references to the custom none are more interesting than those in Richardson's Clarissa Harlo-we, for though we are dealing with a work of fiction, surviving rings show that the novelist described a familiar contemporary usage. It will be remembered that several mourning- rings are mentioned in the heroine's will, and we maj' specially note the following passage : ' to Lady Betty Lawrance, Lady Sarah Sadleir, Lord M., Miss Charlotte and ^liss Martha Montague, each an enamelled ring with a cypher CI. H., with my hair in crystal.' '' The universalit}^ of the custom of wearing mourning-rings at this period is attested by another passage in the same novel. Lovelace, referring to Belton's death in a letter to Belford, writes : ' When I come to town . . . we will buy each a ring to wear in memory of the honest fellow.' Mourning-rings were sometimes engraved with allusive legends or mottoes, in this resembling ' posy-rings '. Examples were the rings said to have been worn by the King's party after the execution in 1658 of Dr. John Hewett, chaplain to Charles I, engraved: Herodes ncctiit Johannein} The line of division between Memento Mori rings (sec p. xxxiii) and mourning- rings is not easily drawn, for when a name and date are found engraved in the interior, the ring may be regarded as belonging to the memorial class. This ' A'otes and Queries, 9th series, xi, 1903, p. 30S. - Izaak Walton, Lives of John Donne, Hetiry IVoiton, and Richard Hooker, p. 191 (Temple Classics). " The considerable value of the more expensive niouming-rings in the eighteenth centur>% evidently those set with gems, is shown by other bequests in the same will. 'To my aunt, Mrs. Dorothy Her\'ey, I bequeath fifty guineas for a ring ' : other rings of the value of twenty-five and twenty guineas are also mentioned. The symbolic devices which Clarissa caused to be placed on her coffin-plate are of interest, in that they are also familiar to us from mourning-rings : at the top was to be an hour-glass, winged, at the bottom an um. The wings accompanying the hour-glass are represented on rings in the Collection (nos. 1529 fl.). ' A'o/es and Queries, ser. ii, viii, 393, quoting Kenneth's Register and Chronicle, 1727, p. 373. Cf. also Notes and Queries, as above, p. 466, for motto mourning-rings of .Alderman John Smith of London, and Samuel Crumbleholme, Master of St. Paul's. INTRODUCTION llll distinction lias led to the separation in the Cataloj^uc of rings which are Diit- wardiy of the same type. Rings have been worn as signs of office by persons of various ranks and Official ' positions, from kings downwards. The episcopal rings already mentioned nngs. (p. xxxiv) really come under this description. So do coronation-rings, of which the history extends to remote times and \arions countries. A ring was evidently regarded as the symbol of sovereignly in the Bj'zantine Empire, as we learn from a passage in Nicetas relating to the death of Alexius Comncnus.' The ICmpcror, as King of Germany, was invested with a ring,^ and Henry I\' on his deposition was called upon to resign the crown, the mantle, the ring, and all things pertaining to investiture with the imperial dignity.^ In our own country the corona- lion-ring goes back before the Norman Conquest, though apparently not long before ; whatever may be thought of the story related of Ofia, King of the East Angles, it is certain that the giving of a ring immediately after the anointing is mentioned in the Benedictional of Robert of Jumicges, Archbishop of Canterbury in the last years of Edward the Confessor, and Fig. i6. Hand of ]!i:ni.dikt vox , . , . , . . , , Hertenstein. Prom a portrait by Hol- that smce that time the principal change bein in the Metropolitan Museum, New has consisted in the translation of the Vork. (Cf. P. Ganz, Hans Holbein dcr formula from Latm into English in the time ■' -^ ' ^ ' nf James I.* It is not to be supposed that the sovereign always wore the ring; the royal inventory of 2cS Edward I, already so often quoted, 'includes the gold ring with which the King was consecrated '.'' But it was probably very carefully kept. Camden relates that Elizabeth in her last illness ordered to be cut from her finger the ring with which she had been espoused to her kingdom at her coronation, and since then never removed ; '' while Queen Victoria did not allow her coronation-ring to pass out of her own custody.' Queens consort have al\va\'s been invested with a ring in luitrland. ' John Comnenus is said to have drawn the ring from his lather's finger, and by means of it conrirmcd his succession. ■ li. Martene, Ve antiquis ecclesiac ri/iluis, ii, ch. ix, ord. iv and v. ' This is related by Sigonius, De reg. Italiac, iv, p. 89. Ste Kirchmann, Dc ajimil.'s, pp. 1 94-5. ' J. Wickham Legg, Arch. Journal, liv, 1897, pp. 4 ff. " Liber quotidiantis, &c., as above, p. 351 : aiuiuliis nitri cum quo Jitit Rex consccratiis. ° Kirchmann, as above, p. 222. " Arch. Journal, as above, p. I. The coronation-ring of Queen Maiy II is in the possession of the Duke of Portland. ^Ir. Wickham Lcgg reproduces this ring and those of William IV, Queen .Adelaide, and Queen \'ictoria. liv INTRODUCTION A bare mention must suffice for the ring conferred with other insignia on the recipient of a doctor's degree : ^ it is still given at the University of Upsala. Serjeants' Among rings commemorating an office, those of the EngHsh serjeants-at-law rings. form a familiar group.- It was the custom, from the fifteenth century, for Serjeants, on the occasion of their call, to present gold rings to the sovereign, princes of the Blood, great officers of state and ecclesiastics, nobles, legal and other dignitaries, and personal friends, the weight and value of the rings diminishing with the rank and importance of the recipient. This usage is in manj'^ ways analogous to that by which, in the Roman and Byzantine Empires down to A. I). 540, the Consul on his election presented a carved ivorj' diptych to the Emperor and important dignitaries ; like its prototype, it involved some expense, for thin though these rings usually were, the number which it was necessary to give made the procedure costlj-. Serjeant Wynne and thirteen others, called in A. D. 1736, expended £'/'!% about ^55 each, on 1409 rings, but the average seems to have been reduced in later )-ears, since in 1809 Serjeants Peckwill and Frere spent £^^ I'js. 6d. on a total of only sixty rings. In the nineteenth century the presentation of rings in open court ceased, and they were sent privately through the goldsmith employed to make them ; the custom came to an end even before 1S73, in which year it became unnecessary for a barrister appointed a judge to proceed first to the rank of Serjeant, and Serjeants ceased to be called. The Serjeant's ring is a flat band of gold, usually with a moulding at top and bottom, and with a motto engraved on the outer side, almost invariably in Latin. ^ The earliest mention is of the ring of Sir John Fineux, called in 1485, whose motto was si/ac qitisqne fortnnae fabcr ; * several rings are recorded for the sixteenth centur}^ and many for the two centuries following, while examples are also numerous between iSco and 1864. Down to 1846 it was usual for Serjeants to be called in ' batches ', when it was customary, though not obligatory, for all to take the same motto. The number of rings accumulated by the kings was naturally vcrj' great, and various stories have been circulated as to their fate ; one version states that at one time there was a drawer-full at Windsor Castle, but that all were supposed to ' E. C. Clark, Arch. Journal, i, p. 80; Kirchmann, p. 197: H. Kornemann, De otmulo tripiici, p. 40 (1672J ; Druitt, Costume in Bmsses, pp. 121-2. - E. Foss, The Judges of England (iZs7), v,.pp. 16, 103, 2S5, 414, 417 ; vi, pp. 29, 230; vii, pp. 28 ff., 207, 301, 380; viii,pp.ii,S9, 2i6ff.,220: ix,pp.7,64, 116; VvXim%,The Order of the Coif, pp. 245-6; E. W. Brabrook, i\W« and Queries, 6th series, .\, p. 29, and Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, iii, p. 414. Shorter notices by various writers in Notes and Queries, 1st series, v, PP- 59. 92.- 110. 139- 181, 363 ; 2nd scries, i, p. 249: ii, p. 24; vi, p.477; 3rd series, iv, pp. 219, 252, 278, 363 ; vi, pp. 69, 117 ; 6th series, ix, pp. 446, 511; x, pp. 132, 195 : xii, pp. 226, 326. ' Sir Christopher Wray, Chief Justice, exhorting the Serjeants called in 1577, said of the ring: 'it betokeneth ther bountifullnesse ; they be round, they have no end, it showeth ther integrity.' ■* Foss, vol. V, p. 16; Notes ajid Queries, ist series, vii, p. 18S. IXTRODUCTION Iv have been melted' down and converted into rjold plate ; ' another, that in the Castle there are gold candlesticks, of which the stems are composed of Serjeants' rings placed one above another." There is a collection of these rings in the Temple. Rings conferred with lands arc in a sense allied to rings of office ; they Rings of stood as symbols of privilege and duty, and were regarded as evidence of legal inves- tcnurc. Instances relating to the ICmpcrors Lothair and Henry are quoted by ^ ^''^" Kirchmann from early sources.' For our own country we may note that Richard Cteur de Lion attached his ring to a charter relating to the exchange of land in Normandy for other properties.* The attachment of rings to charters is a well-known custom of which a single example must suffice. Dugdale records that Osbert de Camera, in the twelfth century, granted certain lands to the Church, giving possession of them with his gold ring set with a ruby, and appointing that the same ring, together with his seal, should for ever be attached to the charter whereby the lands were disposed.^ In one case at least we find a tenure-horn with signet-ring attached, as if to lend it an increased validity; this is the Borstal horn by which the lands of Borstal descended for many hundred years." Nos. 1690, 1691 have been conjectured to be rings of investiture. FANCY, ORNAMENTAL, AND PEASANT RINGS The term ' fancy ring ' is one of somewhat wide application, but it maj' be taken Fancy to include rings characterized b)- some uncommon feature differentiating them and orna- from the ordinary classes into which rings are di\'ided. The distinguishing feature ■ ma\- owe its presence to real or imagined utilit\', as is the case with the diamond- points of nos. 1693-H. recalling the rings which formed the iiiiprcsa of Cosimo de' Medici," or with the dials and compasses (nos. 1699 ff.) ; or it may be due to a displa}- of ingenuity, such as we find in the group of puzzle-rings (nos. 1713- 26), or in Stephen Zick's Trinity ring (no. 1727) ; or, again, it may be prompted b\- the mere love of the bizarre and the eccentric (nos. 1730 ff.j. One class of ring which alwaj-s attracts popular interest is conspicuous by its absence. The Collection contains no authenticated poison-ring ; the mere possession of a locket- bezel does not suffice to lend romance to a ring perhaps intended to contain a harmless perfume.^ Fancy rings naturally overlap with the large class of ' Sir Harry Poland, K.C., was told this when making inqLiiries on the subject. = Lady Dorothy Neville, Leaves from a Nvtebook, p)3. 247-S. ^ Dc niiriiilis, pp. 1 95-6. * This, with other instances, is given by Jones, whose third chapter is concerned with secular investiture by the ring. ■• W. I3iigdale, History of St. Paul's, 1658. p. S. '' Arcliaeclogia, iii, p. 16, and pi. i, fig. 2. ' \. Heiss, Les mcdailleiirs itc la Renaissance, i, p. 28 (after Paolo Gio\io). * Condorcet is said to have killed himself with poison concealed in a ring. For the stories as to Demosthenes and Hannibal sec F. H. Marshall, Catalogue, as above p. wiii. Ivi IXTRODUCTIOX Peasant rings. ornamental rings nos. 174C-2182) which illustrates the changing taste of nearly a thousand jears.^ Reviewing this long series, we pass from the simplicit\- of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries through the graceful and more elaborate st\-les of the two centuries following, with their increasing prodigality of engraved design and growing use of enamel, to the finished designs of the Renaissance. From the early sixteenth century the cabochon gems begin to be replaced by smaller stones, now generally faceted ; the hoops tend to become more slender. and are more boldly moulded, while brilliant enamel comes into general favour. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the multiplication of gems becomes a common feature; forms which in the earlier part of the period show a falling off from the sculptural types of the Renaissance in the latter grow less clumsj' and more graceful. As the eighteenth century verges to its close, a new decadence sets in, destined to reach its lowest point under the Empire and in the Early Victorian period. It is impossible to describe in detail the \^arieties of rings which succeed each other throughout the centuries, but attention ma>- be drawn to one or two large groups, such as the ' stirrup-shaped ' type of the thirteenth century (cf. no. 1782, pi. XXIV), the late fifteenth and early sixteenth-century type in which the bezel is cut to a quatrefoil cf. figs. 2, J4, the sixteenth-century form with four 'petals' icf.no. 1937, pi. XXVI 1, the eighteenth-centurj- ' giardinetti ' rings ^cf. nos. 2126, &c.. pi. XXVIir. It is hardly necessarj' to remind the reader that for all periods comparison should be made with contemporary signets, religious, love, memorial, and other rings, many of which deser\e attention from the purely ornamental point of view. ' Peasant rings ' are of great interest, for though their intrinsic value may be small, the\' may reproduce contemporary styles, or preserve with fidelity those of a bygone age. Sometimes they illustrate the survival of old superstitions e. g. no. 2257), and contain amulets supposed to protect from various foi-ms of evil. They are widely distributed in Europe, the regions especially distinguished by tiieir use being various parts of Italy, South Germany, and Scandinavia. The greater number are love or betrothal rings, but some are dedicated to rougher use, as no. 2257a, reputed to be a Bavarian pugilist's ring.- ' The Early Christian, Byzantine, and Early Teutonic rings also include ornamental types, and for the first millennium of our era the reader is referred to these. ' Cf, E. Fontenay, Les bijoux ancicns et iiwcierrus, p. S2. Fig. 17. Hand of a Jeweller. (.After Burlington Fine Arts Chib, llluslraled Cata- logue of Early German Art, 1 906, plate x.\x\-ii.) IXTROnUCTIOX Ivil ORIENTAL AND WEST AFRICAN RINGS Of this group little can be saitl, for the OiiciUal ring as such has not yet been the subject of extensive stud)-. The ring has been worn all over the East from remote antiquity,and from very early times was especially useful as a signet, whether the characters were engraved upon a gem, or cut in the metal of the bezel. In Persia, the regions on the north-western border of India, and in Turkestan antique intaglio gems were used as seals for a great part of the first millennium, but in later times it has always been the custom of the East to rub the bezel with ink and impress it upon paper, wax being very seldom used from the Mohammedan countries on the borders of Europe to the limits of China and Japan. ThouLjh figure-subjects of a religious character do not occur upon Mohammedan rings a high proportion may be described as religious, for upon signets the name of the owner is olten accompanied by a maxim or text of a devout character. Many, in the same way, are amuletic by \ irtuc of a praj-er or formula, while the magical properties of gems are no less implicitly accepted in the ICast to-day than they were in the remote past : it is possible that the projection at the back of the hoop, so common a feature in the rings of the Nearer East, may be held to serve some prophylactic purpo-e. In the Indian area, where a rich iconography exists, devotional rings may have figures derived from the Hindu Pantheon (no. 2414). As far as the present Collection is concerned, love-rings are rare, though doubtless many rings of an ornamental character may have been made as betrothal gifts ; memorial rings in like manner are not represented. Man)- Mohammedan rings of the mediaeval period from Egypt and Western Asia ha\e a distinction of style which even excessive ornament cannot impair; those of India, Burmah, and Siam are often of high intrinsic value, profusely set with gems, and sometimes of an im- moderate splendour. We ma)' notice as of especial interest the jade bow-ring inlaid with gold and jewels dating from the Mogul period (no. 2383). The Collection contains a fine series of Javanese rings, once the propert)' of Lord Ashburnham, some of them proved by their inscriptions to go back to the twelfth century (nos. 2324 ff.) ; these also are sumptuous in their effect. A small series of Chinese rings completes the Oriental section, which would be considerably larger had it been possible to include a number of rings and fragments from India, transferred from the India Museum in 1 880, or forming part of the Ethnographical Collections.' A collection of massive gold rings illustrates the goldsmiths art of Ashanti (nos. 2501 ff.) ; the ' Zodiac ring ' (no. 2514) is a type of which numerous e.xamplcs reach Europe; they are usually supposed to be made on the Gold Coast, but are said to be offered for sale in the harbour of F"unchal, and it has been con- jectured that they are actually made in Madeira. - ' Attention may be drawn to a few ancient rcrtivian finger-rings in the .American Room, which show that the ring was worn in Peru before the Spanish Conquest. ^ Notts and Queries, 8th series, viii (1895 », ]). 271. CATALOGUE OF FINX.ER-RIXGS NOTE The great majority of the rings in the present catalogue formed part of the Franks Bequest of 1897, and in the descriptions of these no date of acquisition is given : the names of the collections to which they had previouslj- belonged, where known, are inserted in brackets. Rings for which, on the contrary, a date of acquisition is given must be understood as having been acquired at different times, and independently of the Franks Bequest : in the case of these, the names of earlier collections to which they belonged are without brackets. Where, in the case of a few old Museum possessions, the date of entry is unknown, the fact is stated. CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS A. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE I. Chiefly from Italy and before a.d. 600. (a) Inscribed. {Chiefly 4t/i eeiiiiiry or ear/ier.) 1. Silver ; rounded hoop, thickest at the back, where there is a revolving bronze key. On the front is an applied oval silver bezel rudely engraved in intaglio with a fisherman seated to ;■., drawing a fish out of the water with rod and line. In the field is the inscription CALVATOP (? Salvaior) in a mixture of Greek and Latin characters irregularly placed and in part reversed. Sec figure. D. VI in. L. of bezel, -36 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 46. Cf. a gem in (Jarrucci, Stoyia ddP arte cris/iann, vi, pi. 477, fig. 18. On the symbol of the fisherman, sec Smith and Cheetham, Diet, of Christian Antiquities, vol. i, p. 715 ; de Rossi in Pitra, Spicilegiiim Solesinensc, p. 577; iMacarius, Hagioglypta, p. Ill, iS:c. The shape of the hoop, characteristic of a period earlier than Christianity, and the combi- nation of two metals suggest that only the bezel is of Early Christian date. 2. Gold ring ; the hoop angular and fluted on the outer side; oval bezel set with an emerald engraved in intaglio with a fish ; at the back is a second bezel engraved in intaglio with a bird upon a tree, round which are the letters of the name AEMILIA. See figure. D. I in. L. of gem, -32 in. Weight, 210 grains. Hamilton Coll. 1856. Christian Catalogue, no. 48. Garrucci, Storia dell' arte ciistiana, vol. vi, pi. 477, fig. 22. See also de Rossi in Pitra, Spieilegiiim. Solesmense, p. 577, no. 97 ; Martigny, Les anneaux chez les premiers Chretiens, t^c, p. 17 ; Fortnum in Arch. Joiirn. x.wi (1869), p. 142, and xxviii (1871), p. 273 ; C. \V. King, Antique Gems, ii, p. 29 ; Smith and Cheetham, ii, pp. 713 and 1792; H. Leclercq in F. Cabrol's Diet, d/arch. ehretienne, col. 2203. Uc Rpssi says of it : fuit in musaco Imolensi hilii Caesaris Ginnasii. King assigns it to the early part of the third centurj- on the analogy of the Tarsus Treasure (i, p. 344). 2 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS Gold key-ring, with wide flat hoop fluted with twelve vertical channels and ornamented above and below with a pierced scroll border. In the centre of the channels are square apertures, eleven of which have reserved in the metal one letter of the inscription MVLTIS ANNIS, while the twelfth has a leaf. The bezel is rectangular and consists of three plain hori- zontal bands, between which are the words ACCIPE DVLC IS in openwork. From the bezel rises at right angles a vertical pro- jection with the wards, a diaper of nine crosses connected by pellets : on the sides it has cable borders, on the top a pierced scroll. See figure. Jet ^'t c'r e'e i (■ t1 D. ro4. Weight, 190 grains. Found in Egj'pt. Christian Catalogue, no. 49. Fortnum in Arch.Journ. .\xxi.\ (l!>72), p. 305 : Frohner, Les Musces lie France, pi. xxxviii, figs. 9 and 10 (Paris, 1873) ; H. Leclercq, as above, col. 2209. A ring of similar type was found at Tirlemont in Belgium about 1894, and is believed to be in private possession. Cf. also a ring formerly in the Castellan! Collection, and sold in Rome in 1SS4 (Sale Catalogue, no. 928, p. 120). For rings with similar pierced inscriptions .f^^ Fortnum in Arch Jonrn. xxvi (1869), p. 141, no. 5 (gold, in Fortnum Collection now in the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford) ; and Arch. Journ. vii (1850), p, 191 (gold ring in the collection of the Duke of Northumberland, found near Corbridge-on-Tyne). Bronze ; flat polygonal hoop engraved on the outer side with the sacred monogram ^ between A and CO, and legend: ARBOR! VIBAS IN CRISTO. D. f02 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 50. For the name Arborius see de \'it, Onoinasticon. s. v. Gold ; flat polygonal hoop engraved on the outer side with a palm-branch followed by the legend : MARFINIANVS VIVAS. D. I "08 in. Weight, 244 grains. From Brackeland near Jiilich. Christian Catalogue, no. 51. See Botiiier Jahrbiicher, Heft Ixxiii (1882), p. 85, note I, and Ixxiv (1882), p. 64. Cf. two rings described by P'ortnum in Arch. Journ. xxvi (1S69), p. 140. The name Marfinianus appears to be exceptional. Bronze; plain hoop, and oval bezel inscribed: VIVAS. D. '86 in. L. of bezel, "52 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 52. Silver; plain hoop expanding into an oval bezel engraved: VIBAS. D, 74 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. Christian Catalogue, no. 53. EARLY CHRISTIAN AM) BY/AXTINK 3 8. BKt)N/K ; flat lidop and rectangular bc/cl engraved \\ itii a reversed inscription: VIVAS IN DIO in two lines. D. "88 in. L. of bezel, '45 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 54. Cf. bronze rin^' in the Vatican. .SVt- Fortniiin in Arch. Joiini. xxviii (1871), p. 279, no. 6. g. Goi.i) ; octagonal hoop, narrowest at the back, the outside faceted horizontally. The bezel is flat and octagonal, with a circular medallion in low rcHef inscribed : ARGYR VIVAS. D. "64 in. Weight, 100 grains. From Rome. Christian Catalogue, no. 58. 10. Bronze ; with plain hoop and projecting square bezel engraved with the inscription in three lines: MER'CURIjV I V. U. i"i8 in. L. of bezel, "4 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 59. 11. Gold ; the hoop double in front, with two oval bezels, the upper inscribed BLITHI A. the lower engraved with a monogram. D. I in. L. of bezel, "4 in. Weight, 258 grains. Castellan! Coll. 1872. /'^B^ Found at Orvieto. yk^lftSif Christian Catalogue, no. 60. Str Fortnum in Arc/i. Jouni. xxvii ^™l!i'i (1871), p. 281, no. 2 ; Smith and Cheetham, ii, p. 1798. The name may be Blilia or Blicia ; see de Vit, Onoinas/icon, s. 7'. Cf. a ring found in a treasure at Narona, Dalmatia, with coins of Justin I, Justinian, Justin II, and Tiberius Constantine, and a ring in the Louvre (Ntiovo Bullettino di archeoloi;ia aistiana, 1902, pp. 234 fif.). It is possible that the monogram may represent the name of Blitia's husband. 12. Bronze ; plain hoop ; bezel in the form of the sole of a shoe, engraved with the letters OER between two crosses. D. I in. Christian Catalogue, no. 61. On shoe-shaped ring-stamps see Fortnum in Aic/i. Jourii. xxviii (1S71), p. 289; and Rev. Arch., 1883, p. 53. I 13. Silver; angular shoulders and pointed oval bezel engraved : -I- €YCe. B D. '92 in. L. of bezel, '5 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. Christian Catalogue, no. 62. For the name Eusebius, see de Vit, Oiiomasticon, s. v. The family of the Eusebii became prominent in the middle of the fourth century. 14.. SlL\'EK ; plain rounded hoop and flat oval bezel engraved with a bird to r., holding a branch in its beak. D. '82 in. L. of bezel, '36 in. Hamilton Coll. 1S56. Christian Catalogue, no. 63. V. 2 4 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 15. Gold : the hoop expanding to a flat bezel engraved with a palm-branch, above and below which are characters perhaps representing the words AM A ME. See figure. D.7in. Weight, 29 grains. Found at Carlisle. (Braybroofce Coll.) Christian Catalogue, no. 64. 16. Gold ; the hoop of plaited wire with a pearled wire along the middle, and a pair of pellets on each side of the oval bezel, which is set with a red jasper inscribed: ecOC GeOY YIOC THPei (God Son of God guard wr). D. "34 in. Weight, 69 grains. Hamilton Coll. 1S56. Christian Catalogue, no. 11. Cf. L. Perret, Les Catacombcs de Rome, voL iv, pi. svi, fig. 14. The style of the hoop recalls that of a Late Roman ring in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities (F. H. Marshall, Catalcguc of Finger-rings, no. 781). {b) Uninscribed. i^tli to 6th centuries.) 17. Silver ; plain hoop expanding into a bezel on which is engraved a palm- branch. D. 74 in. Hamilton Coll. 1S56. Christian Catalogue, no. 65. 18. Gold ; slender hoop ; flat oval bezel engraved in intaglio with a palm-branch (?). D. of bezel, "3 in. Weight, 32 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Christian Catalogue, no. 66. 19. Gold ; flat hoop expanding into a bezel engraved with a palm-branch, above which rises from the edge a circular setting containing a green paste. D. "6 in. Weight, 24 grains. Christian Catalogue, no. 67. 20. CaKXELIAX ; part of a ring cut from the solid, with flat oval bezel engraved in intaglio with a dove holding an olive-branch in its beak. D. 75 in. L. of bezel, '34 in. Hamilton Coll. 1856. Christian Catalogue, no. 30. See also Fortnum in An/i. Journal, xwi (1869), p. 140, note I . The greater part of the hoop is wanting. 21. Gold ; plain hoop and oval bezel, with a pair of pellets at each end, containing a sapphire engraved in intaglio with a dove holding a branch in its beak. D. "4 in. Weight. 60 grains. 1862. Christian Catalogue, no. 31. 22. Gold ; flat octagonal hoop ; oval bezel engraved with an anchor. D. 74 in. Weight, 101 grains. Christian Catalogue, no. 68. Cf. Re: Areh., 1883, p. 53. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE 23. Goi.l) : flat hoop and raised oval bezel engraved with a horizontal anchor. I). 72 in. Weight, 106 grains. Castellan! Coll. 1872. Christian Catalogue, no. 69. .SV^ Fortnuni in Aixli. Joiini. xxviii (1871), p. 281, no. i ; Smith and Cheethani, ii, p. 1795. 24. Bronze ; plain slender hoop and oval bezel engraved with a galley with si.K oars visible on one side. The mast and yard form a cross. Plate II, roiv 4. D. '94 in. L. of bezel, '5 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. Christian Catalogue, no. 70, and cf. no. 40. See Fortnuni in Arch. Journ. xxviii (1S71), pp. 274 and 281, no. 6. 25. Bronze ; spirally fluted hoop and projecting circular bezel engraved with a galley to n, above which is the sacred monogram inscribed in a circle. Plate II, roiv 4. D. I in. D. of bezel, -5 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. Christian Catalogue, no. 71. Garrucci, Storia dell' arte aistiann, vi, pi. 478, fig. 14. 26. Bronze ; plain hoop and oval bezel .set with a red cabochon paste engraved in intaglio with the sacred monogram combined with an anchor. D. -8 in. Given by Sir A. W. Franks, K.C.B. 1894. Christian Catalogue, no. 29. 27. Gold; hoop of triangular section ; projecting oval bezel containing a nicolo paste engraved with a composite form of the sacred monogram. See figure. D. r4 in. D. of bezel, 78 in. Weight, 288 grains. Payne Knight Coll. 1824. Christian Catalogue, no. 28. See Smith and Cheet- hani, Diitioimiy of C/uistuin Antiquities, ii, p. 1793. 28. Bronze ; hoop of triangular section; flat-pointed oval bezel engraved with the sacred monogram sjt. D. "96 in. D. of bezel, "5 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 72. 29. Bronze ; plain hoop and oval bezel engraved with the sacred monogram >p. D. 78 in. D. of bezel, '3 in. Obtained in Rome. Christian Catalogue, no. 73. 30. Bronze; hoop of triangular section and rectangular bezel engraved with tlie sacred monogram "^ within a cable border. D. I in. L. of bezel, "34 in. 31. Bronze signet ; plain hoop and oval bezel engraved with y^ D. '9 in. L. of bezel, '52 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 76. CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 32. Gold ; circular openwork bezel, containing the monogram -f. j/// century. D. "9 in. D. of bezel, '4 in. Weight, 65 grains. Christian Catalogue, no. 77. 33. Gold ; octagonal faceted hoop. The bezel is an applied setting in the form of the sacred monogram -f , originally containing stones, now lost. i&Pl See figure, ^ih century. D. -91 in. D. of bezel, '44 in. Weight, 123 grains. Castellani Coll 1872. Christian Catalogue, no. 78. See Fortnum in Arch.Journ. xxviii (1871), p. 2S1, no. 5 ; .Smith and Cheetham, ii, p. 1793. 34. Bronze ; the hoop expanding to flat angular shoulders, on each of which is a star. The bezel is a truncated pyramid of three steps engraved with an equal- armed cross. D. ri6 in. L. of bezel, '32 in. From Catania, Sicily. Christian Catalogue, no. 79. Cf. for shape, Fortnum in Arch.Journ. xxvi (1869*, p. 143. 35. Bronze ; plain hoop expanding into a narrow oblong bezel engraved with an equal-armed cross. D. 72 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 80. 36. Silver ; oval bezel engraved with an equal-armed cross. D. "93 in. L. of bezel, '22 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 81. 37. Gold ; the hoop embossed on each side with a meandering vine-stem on which is perched a bird picking at a bunch of grapes ; the ground is punched with small dots, and below the bezel on each side is a small embossed ring or circle. The bezel is oval, containing a garnet engraved in intaglio with a draped figure seated facing upon a cushioned stool with both arms raised in the attitude of prayer. On each side of the head, a cross. See figure. Stii centnry (?). D. fl in. Weight, 113 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. Christian Catalogue, no. 44. See Fortnum in .4 r:h. Journal . .xxviii (1S71), p. 281, no. 3 ; Smith and Cheetham, Dictionary 0/ Christian Antiquities, vol. i, p. 1716. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE II. From the Christian East. (a) Inscribed. (Chiefly (itli to wth eeniiiries.) I. ICOXOGKAI'IIIC. 38. Gold signet, w ith oval bezel engraved with a bust of Our Lord between two crosses. Below, two adoring angels with a cruciform monogram between them. Round the edge of the bezel is engraved : ATIOC ATIOC ATIOC KYPIOC CABAO0. Sec figure. 6ih or '/th century. D. i'i4 in. L. of bezel, "62 in. Weight, 309 grains. Christian Catalogue, no. 120. H. Leclercq, as above, col. 2204. 39. Gold, with engraved and nielloed ornament ; the fiat octagonal hoop has an applied bezel in the form of a square with four lobes, on which is the Annun- ciation. To r is the Virgin, seated in a high-backed chair; to /. stands the archangel. Round the hoop is the inscription: + X6Pe KeXAPI ////// O KC MCTA COY (.\cupe Kfx,api.ricij.iviy u Kvpioi juera rrov, Luke i. 28) within a herring- bone border. yi/i century (?). D. "9 in. L. of bezel, 76 in. Weight, 291 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. Christian Catalogue, no. 121. The niello is almost entirely lost, and the hoop is much worn. The style of this ring is the same as that of nos. 46-50, which see. Cf a ring with the Annunciation, figured by G. Schluniberger, Melanges d'archcologie byzantine, p. 169, and Byzantinisclie Zcitschrifl, 1S93, p. 191 ; another, with a bust of Our Lord, is in the Museo Civico, Venice. For other nielloed rings in this style see Kondakoff. Geschiclite und Denkiiidler dcs byza7itinischen Emails, p. 264 (in the treasury of the monastery of Gelat near Kutais) ; G. Schlumberger, Melanges d'archcologie byzantine, p. 67 ; O. Pelka, AltchristUche Ehedenk- vidlo; pp. 105, 109. Rings in this style vary considerably in merit. If the Palermo example {see under no. 46) belonged to the treasure of Constans II, it must be at least as old as the seventh century. Such an early date is confirmed by the Latin inscription (Glori.\ in EXCELSIS D5 ET IN TERRA l'.\XI on an example with Our Lord between two angels, from Trapani, in the collection of Sir Arthur Evans, perhaps also from the treasure of Constans. 40. Gold signet ; plain hoop and applied oval bezel engraved with a full-faced bust of Our Lord (?), bearded, and wearing a diadem. Legend : CALBATOP. See figure. L. '8 in. D. of bezel, '6 in. Weight. 175 grains. Obtained in Rome. Christian Catalogue, no. 122. 8 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 42. 43- Gold signet, with hoop of rectangular section expanding to a massive rectangular bezel, engraved with Orpheus seated near a tree, holding a lyre : at his feet lie two animals. Legend: Cpayls 'lindwov rod ayiov oreipartrov ? '• See figure. D. f02 in. Weight, 879 grains. Found at Scutari. Christian Catalogue, no. 123. For the word oTf<^a«'ri;r {Coronatus) see Ducange, Glossarium, s. i\ Silver signet, witli applied circular bezel engraved with St. Leontius as before. To r. is a star, or the sacred monogram. Direct legend: AT IOC AeONTL D. I in. D. of bezel, '5 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 135. Bronze signet, with circular bezel engraved with the standing figure of St. Demetrius, full face, in long garments, and holding a cross over his breast. To left and right the (reversed) inscription : + O ATIOC AHMHTPIC. D. I in. D. of bezel, i'02 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 126. 2. MARRIAGE AND BETROTHAL RINGS. 44. Bronze signet; flat hoop engraved on the outer side: XPVCAOIOV OeOAOJPAC. Applied rectangular bezel engraved with a standing figure in military costume, holding a long cross in the left hand, and a spear and oval shield in the right. D. l-oi in. D. of bezel, •^ in. Christian Catalogue, no. 127. Probably a marriage-ring. For the name Chrj-saphius see Pape-Benseler, Worterbuch der sfidt-griecMschen Eigennamen, s. i'. ; Muralt, Essai de chrono- graphie byzantine, p. 50 ; Theophanes, i^hronographia. year 5938. 45. Iron ; polygonal hoop and flat oval bezel engraved with (direct) legend : CT€ANO AMjHN {KvfHf iSo/iOft rw o-oi gotXo) — 7-e(/)ar(o. 'Aixi'jv). See figure. D. I in. L. of bezel, 7 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 139. This ring may be compared with an example from Sicily in the museum at Syracuse (Orsi, in Byzantinisclie Zcitscltrift,yS\, p. 472, fig. 12). Cf. also for the shape a gold betrothal-ring which some have considered to be that of Stephen Radoslav, styled Ducas, King of Servia (a. d. 1228-34), and Anna Comnena, daughter of the Emperor Theodore Angelus Comnenus Ducas of Salonica (a.d. Sitziuigsberiihte der phitos.-philol. mid historischen Klasse der k. bayerischen Akademic der Wissenschaftcu, 1906, Heft iii. The present example should be earlier than the year A.D. 1000. 57. Bronze ; slender hoop and oval bezel engraved with (reversed) legend in three lines : + Ke BO[I0I KOCTA|TANOV (Kv/ne /io/;0«t Kuwravnarw?). D. -8 in. L. of bezel, '6 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 140. 58. Bronze ; slender hoop with small projections at the shoulders, and high oval bezel with channelled sides roughly engraved with (direct) legend : KEBOH^XAI (?), within a dotted border. D. I in. L. of bezel, "5 in. From Catania. Christian Catalogue, no. 141. 59. Silver signet ; flat hoop and applied circular bezel. Round the hoop, legend (sec figure) : Kvpte iSoyda tj; j (popovaris. The bezel is engraved with a Medusa-like face from which radiate seven serpents Above the head is a cross. See figure. [k^J5^0j'wi;Ti .'^q^p^'cfl D. -Sin. D.of bezel, -eein. Christian Catalogue, no. 142. This ring was probably worn as an amulet. The design on the bezel may be compared with others of the same character, the use of which for protection against disease or accident is undoubted. See G. .Schlumberger, Melanges d\irch^otogie hyzaiitine, pp. 136 ff. ; C. W. King, The Gnostics and their Remains, pp. 167-9, and fig. 3. Cf. also Antiquites de fEnipire Riisse, Atlas, vol. i, pi. 23 (Moscow, 1849). The type of large amulet with Medusa head is represented by various examples, one of which is in the church of St. Servaas at Maastricht (Arch. Join n. xxi, fig. on p. 275). The inscription : Lord preser^'c the wearer, found on this and the following numbers, was evidently in common usage. Cf. ring from Sicily in the museum at Syracuse (Orsi Byzantinische Zeitschrift, xix, p. 472). 12 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS 60. Bronze signet : the hoop engraved on the shoulders with conventional ornament. The bezel is oval, engraved with a reversed legend in three lines : + Ke ROH0H THC (DOPX {Kvpn ^oi'jdei rfis (popovaiji). D. 1-04 in. L. of bezel, '64 in. 1S53. Christian Catalogue, no. 143. 61. Bronze signet: rectangular bezel engraved with a reversed legend: KC BOH0 H TOV 0 PONTOC. D. '9 in. L. of bezel, '^6 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 144. 62. Bronze ; the hoop engraved on the shoulders with conventional ornament. The bezel is oval, pierced in the centre, and with small projections on the upper and lower edges. Circular direct inscription : KG BOG! TO OOPO {Kvpte jioi'idn TU (pOpOWTl). D. '94 in. L. of bezel, "64 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 145. 63. Silver ; the hoop engraved on each side with a serpentine figure and three stars. Oval bezel with a channelled projection at top and bottom, and a milled band round the sides. The centre is drilled with a circular cavity surrounded by the legend : Ke BOH0HTON eXOTA {Kvpie iBoi'ida rbv (xovto). D. '94 in. L. of bezel, '66 in. Castellani Coll. Christian Catalogue, no. 146. 64. 'Silver ; the hoop engraved on the shoulders with conventional ornament ; oval bezel with projections at top and bottom, and engraved with the (direct) legend: Ke BO H0H TO 0OPO (Kvpu fioi'idn tQ, tpopovv-i) in three lines within a circle. See figure. D. 7S in. L. of bezel, "52 in. Obtained in Constantinople. Christian Catalogue, no. 147. 65. Bronze ; the hoop expanding to an oval bezel with pointed projections from the upper and lower edges ; legend in four lines, beginning Ke BOH0L /^tforio^ See figure. f^'JOlyH^H^, D. "9 in. L. of bezel, 74 in. Obtained in Constantinople. xj/HOO^.^ Christian Catalogue, no. 148. 66. Silver; the hoop triangular in section, and engraved on each shoulder with floral ornament derived from the palmette. Circular bezel engraved with a reversed legend (much worn) in three lines, beginning Ke b' {Kvpie ^01'idei). D. I in. D. of bezel, -44 in. Date of .icquisition unknown. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE I3 67. Iron ; circular bezel engraved with a direct legend in three lines partially- effaced : K(e BO?) i lAKOY YriA {Kv,,i.i fioi'idd- 'Ia(«u>v vyuio ?). D. '9 in. L. of bezel, 74 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 149. 68. Bronze ; slender octagonal hoop and vertical oval bezel engraved with a direct inscription in four lines : Vfl IAN]NO V (vyUia 'ludwov?). D. '94 in. L. of bezel, "54 in. From Tartiis, Syria. Christian Catalogue, no. 150. 69. . Bronze ; slender polygonal hoop, anil applied oval bezel engraved with a Latin cross surrounded by a direct legend : VflA lOANNY (vyieia 'Imavvov). D. "84 in. L. of bezel, '56 in. From Beyrut. Christian Catalogue, no. 151. 70. Iron ; polj-gonal hoop and circular bezel engraved with direct legend : + ANTIOXX \^\^? ('AvTLoxovvyUia). D. "92 in. L. of bezel, '6 in. From Smyrna. Christian Catalogue, no. 152. 71. Silver; raised oval bezel engraved with a direct legend in three lines: (D ZGJHjC. D. 104 in. L. of bezel, '54 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 153. 72. Bronze signet ; the hoop ornamented with a three-lobed projection on each shoulder. The bezel is oval, and engraved with a reversed legend in four lines: OeU) OYAAK TY HAT POC iQioi}>v\dKTov TtaT,w). D. 1-26 in. L. of bezel, 7 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. Christian Catalogue, no. 154. Perhaps a mourning-ring worn by a son in memory of his father. For the name Theophylactus scr Pape-Benseler, Wdr/erbiick der gricchischen Eigen- jitimcii, s. V. 73. Bronze ; applied circular bezel engraved with a direct inscription in four lines: + C0PATIC COAOMONOC BOH0I (^^ payU 'S.okoixavos fioi]e(i). D. i"o4. L. of bezel, "64 in. Obtained in Rome. Christian Catalogue, no. 155. For Solomon's name on amulets sec G. Schluniberger, Melanges (T archcologie byzaniine, pp. 120 ff. On the " seal of Solomon' sec C. W. King, The Gnostics and their Remains, pp. 3SS and 423 ; G. B. de Rossi, Bullcilino di archeologia crisliana, ii (1891), pp. 133 ff., and iv {1894), pp. 104-5 ; P. Perdrizet in Rev. dcs etudes grecques, xvi, 1903, pp. 42 ff., and Byzantinischc Zeitsch?i/t, viii (1899), p. 715. 74. Iron ; slender polygonal hoop, and flat octagonal bezel engraved with a Greek cross and direct legend : + ZOPAriC COAOMON. D. "9 in. L. of bezel, "56 in. From Smyrna. Christian Catalogue, no. 156. 14 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 75. Bronze ; flat hoop and oval bezel engraved with a direct legend in three lines: OICATO IK0N6NB0H. D. of bezel, '6 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 157. 76. Bronze : bezel engraved with a similar inscription in three lines : OKA TOIKONeN. D. •/ in. Christian Catalogue,, no. 158. 77. Bronze: oval bezel engraved with a direct inscription in two lines: ICKipi. D. "9 in. D. of bezel, -4 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 159. 78. Bronze ; circular bezel engraved with an inscription in characters symmetrically disposed. Sec figure. D. '85 in. D. of bezel, '6 in. From SmjTna. Christian Catalogue, no. 160. 79. Silver ; rectangular bezel engraved with an inscription in two lines : xepe , iYJW(?). D. '74 in. L. of bezel, '32 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 161. The hoop broken. 80. Bronze ; the hoop of triangular section, swelling slightly at the shoulders, which are engraved with chevrons. Oval bezel, with channelled projections at top and bottom, and engraved with a \er\" rough inscription in three lines. D. i'36 in. L. of bezel, 7 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 162. 4. NAMES AND MONOGRAMS. 81. Bronze; slender hoop and oval bezel engraved with the name ACM NOV within a dotted circle. D. 1 in. L. of bezel. "64 in. From Smyrna. Christian Catalogue, no. 163. For the name .io/iioj see Pape-Benseler, Jl'orlerbuck der griechisehen Eigennamer., s. v. 82. Bronze ; hoop expanding to an oval bezel engraved with the name A€0 NTC {\f.6i-ws) within a circle. D. 1 in. L. of bezel, •46 in. Christian C.italoguc. no. 164. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTIN1-: 15 83. Bronze ; projecting circular bezel engraved in direct characters w itii the name MIXjAHA in two lines. D. ri6 in. D. of bezel, "44 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 165. 84. Bronze ; oval bezel with channelled projections at top and bottom, engraved with reversed legend: rCOP fl If (reto/jytou), preceded by a cross. D. '94 in. L. of bezel, '56 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 166. 85. Bronze; oval bezel engraved with the reversed name CePr(l)0 {^(pyLov?) in two lines. D. I in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Obtained in Naples. Christian Catalogue, no. 167. 86. Bronze ; projecting oval bezel, engraved with a reversed inscription in two lines: lOAN ONNO. D. -g in. D. of bezel, -55 in. 1S65. 87. Bronze ; the hoop ornamented on each shoulder with a deeply cut chevron between vertical lines. Oval bezel with a monogram (?) in niello, divided into HOH two parts by a horizontal line : -— -— ^ ^ iOH D. "87 in. L. of bezel, "5 in. 88. Gold signet ; plain hoop with angular shoulders ; oval bezel engraved with a monogram between two crosses and surmounted by a star with six rays. See figure. 6f/i cenhtry. D. ro3 in. L. of bezel, '62 in. Weiyht, 243 grains. Obtained in Constantinople. Christian Catalogue, no. 16S. Cf. a gold ring in the Fortnum Collection, Arch. Joiirn. xxvi (1869), p. 146. no. 24 ; Smith and Cheetham, ii, p. 1798. 89. Bronze signet ; applied circular bezel engraved with a monogram Sec figure, dth century. D. I'l in. D. of bezel, '58 in. From Tartus, Syria. Christian Catalogue, no. 169. 90. Bronze ; high circular bezel engraved with a monogram. See figure. D. i'i2 in. L. of bezel, '42 in. Obtained in Rome. The ring may possibly be Frankish, in imitation of the Byzantine style. Cf. rings cited by Deloche, and Victoria and Albert Museum, nos. 622-71. i6 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 94. 95- 91. Gold signet, the hoop formed of three pearled wires ; oval bezel engraved \vith a monogram between two crosses. Src figure. 6l/i centiir)'. ^^ D. "8 in. L. of bezel, "32 in. AVeight, 37 grains. From Beyriit, Syria. Christian Catalogue, no. 170. 92. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with two monograms, two crosses, and a star. Sec figure. D. -92 in. L. of bezel, '6 in. iTH* I Christian Catalogue, no. 173. 93. Bronze signet; circular bezel engraved with legend : NK + KCO(?) in two lines. D. 1 in. D. of bezel, •6 in. Obtained in Pozzuoli. Christian Catalogue, no. 174. Gold signet : hollow inside, the hoop w-ith three marked flutings, which issue in an octagonal bezel ; on the shoulders, a band of engraved chevrons. The bezel is engraved with a cruciform monogram, perhaps forming the name Manuel. See figure. 1 4/// century. D. "93 in. L. of bezel, "64 in. Weight, 212 grains. Christian Catalogue, no. 171. This ring has been ascribed to Manuel Palaeologus (134S-1425), an attribution not contradicted by the style of the work though unsupported by any evidence. The type is common in Italy in the fourteenth century ; the ring may either be the work of an Italian goldsmith settled in Greece, or that of a Greek goldsmith who adopted a Western form. Gold signet ; plain solid hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a cruciform monogram. See figure. . D. I in. L. of bezel, -46 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 172. Weight, 333 grains. ^ 96. Bronze signet ; the hoop slender at back. Oval bezel engraved with a cruciform monogram composed of the letters "If NCO and M (?). D. I in. L. of bezel, '6 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 175. Q 97. Bronze ; hoop slender at the back. Oval bezel engraved with a cruciform monogram. Sec figure. D. '56 in. L. of bezel, "6 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 176. B 0- fl EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE 17 98. Bronze signet ; a projection on each shoulder ; oval bezel with a direct cruciform monogram. Sec figure. D. -96 in. L. of bezel, .5 in. Given by John Fewkes, Esq., 1891. Christian Catalogue, no. 177. 99. Bronze signet ; oval bezel engraved with a direct cruciform li monogram. Sir figure. H ->\ D. '9 in. L. of bezel, -64 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. Christian Catalogue, no. 178. 100. Silver ; flat circular bezel engraved with a direct cruciform monogram. Sec figure. D. I in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Obtained in Smyrna. Christian Catalogue, no. 179. loi. Silver ; circular applied bezel engraved with a cruciform monogram. D. -88 in. D. of bezel, -5 in. The ring is more probably Byzantine than Merovingian, though a Prankish origin is not excluded. 102. Bronze signet; plain hoop and circular bezel engraved with a cruciform monogram within a circle. See fisfure. D. I in. D. of bezel, -46 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 180. CU 103. Bronze signet ; hoop expanding to an oval bezel with slight projections at top and bottom, and engraved with a much-worn cruciform monogram. D. -97 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. Christian Catalogue, no. iSi. 104. Bronze signet; oval bezel engraved with a cruciform monogram with four characters: Y, tO, T\, and C (?). D. '9 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 182. 105. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a direct cruciform monogram which perhaps reads ©eoTo'xe (ioi'^dei. On one shoulder is a somewhat similar monogram formed of five letters : B (?), I, A, Y. and T. q See figure. &- D. I in. L. of bezel, '56 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 1S3. KB t8 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS Io6. Bronze signet ; slightly raised circular bezel engraved with a circle con- taining a cruciform monogram with the letters N, if, C, and € (?). D. -94 in. D. of bezel, -42 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 184. 107. Bronze signet ; slender hoop with a tongue-shaped pro- jection on each shoulder, and high circular bezel with channelled sides, very rudely engraved with a cruciform monogram. See figure. D. I in. D. of bezel, -54 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 1S5. 108. Bronze signet ; oval bezel engraved with a cruciform monogram. D. -96 in. L. of bezel, -46 in. Found in Sicily. Christian Catalogue, no. 1S6. 109. Bronze signet ; rectangular bezel engraved with a cruciform monogram. See figure. D. -88 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 1S7. The monogram reads Bcotoicc jSoij^ei, and the four letters in the angles, YFHA (iyUta) ; cf. nos. 67-70 above. Q. -0- lio. Bronze signet ; the hoop thickest at the back. Oval bezel engraved with a monogram (?) of very irregular form. D. I in. L. of bezel, -7 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 1S8. 6. Uninscribed. {^th to wth centuries.) I. ICONOGR.iPHIC. III. Gold signet, with plain rounded hoop and solid oval bezel engraved with a bust of Our Lord, with a cruciform nimbus ; below arc two adoring angels with their heads inclined towards each other. In the field, three crosses. See figure. D. 1-14 in. L. of bezel, '58 in. Weight, 427 grains. Christian Catalogue, no. 189. Found in the East with coins of Heraclius and another plain ring. Cf. no. 37 above. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINF, T9 112. Gold signet; tlie hoop forming seven oval medallions separated by pairs of pellets. Each medallion is engraved in intaglio with a standing figure in a long mantle, the end of which he holds in his r. hand ; all the figures are similar in character. The applied oval bezel is engraved with a beardless figure (Our Lord ?) seated on a high-backed chair with his ;-. hand raised in the attitude of benediction and with a footstool beneath his feet. See figure, ^tli century (?). D. I in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Wciglit, 318 grains. 01)- yjlgi^ /f v^!' tained in Smyrna. Christian Catalogue, no. 190. 113. Broxzk signet, with flat hoop and oval bezel engraved with a seated figure of the Virgin with the Child (?). Before her stands a nimbed figure. D. of bezel, •6 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 191. The hoop is broken. 114. Gold ; flat hoop engraved with a chevron on each shoulder ; octagonal bezel bearing in relief a half-length figure of the Virgin, very rudely cast and chased, with the Child upon her breast, and her hands raised in the attitude of an orans. D. 78 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 33 grains. Christian Catalogue, no. 192. 115. Silver, with flat channelled hoop and applied oval bezel engraved in intaglio with the Annunciation. On the left stands the Virgin with the basket and the wool (?) before her ; on the right, the archangel Gabriel carrying a staff. D. -8 in. L. of bezel, -38 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 193. 116. Bronze signet ; polygonal hoop and applied oval bezel engraved in intaglio with a draped figure of a saint standing between two animals, the arms raised in the attitude of an orans. D. -86 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 194. Probably St. Menas between two monsters. 117. Bronze signet ; oval bezel engraved in intaglio with a saint (St. George ?) riding to /. and piercing a serpent with a lance cruciform at the butt. D. I in. D. of bezel, -7 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 195. 118. Iron signet, with applied oval bezel engraved with a mounted figure, riding to /. (St. George ?). D. '9 in. L. of bezel, -34 in. Obtained in Thebes, Egypt. Christian Catalogue, no. 196. C 2 20 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 119. Bronze signet ; high circular bezel engraved in intaglio with a horseman riding to /., carrying a lance with cruciform butt. In front of the horse is a cross ; above its head a crescent. D. PG4 in. D. of bezel, -6 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 197. 120. Iron signet.- applied circular bezel engraved with a mounted saint riding to /. (St. George ?), within a dotted border. D. '9 in. D. of bezel, -56 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 198. 121. Bronze signet ; circular bezel rudely engraved with a mounted saint to /., holding a lance. The field is filled with punched dots. D. '94 in. D. of bezel, 74 in. Obtained in Constantinople. Christian Catalogue, no. 199. 122. Iron signet ; polj^gonal hoop and oval bezel engraved in intaglio with the bust of an angel, full-face. D. '9 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. From Tartus, Syria. Christian Catalogue, no. 202. 123. Iron signet ; polygonal hoop and applied oval bezel engraved with the bust of a saint or angel within a circle. D. 1-04 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Obtained in Smyrna. Christian Catalogue, no. 203. 124. Iron signet ; polygonal hoop and applied oval bezel engraved in intaglio with three standing figures within a circle. D. i-io in. L. of bezel, '68 in. Obtained in Asia Minor. Christian Catalogue, no. 204. 125. Bronze signet ; slender hoop ; high conical bezel engraved with three draped standing figures. D. I'oS in. D. of bezel, -6 in. From Be)'rut. Christian Catalogue, no. 205. 126. Bronze signet ; high circular bezel rudely engraved in intaglio with a standing figure, with arms raised in the attitude of an oralis, between two other figures. See figure. D. •^ in. D. of bezel, -4 in. From Smyrna. Christian Catalogue, no. 206. The hoop is broken. EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE 21 2. MARRIAGE AND BETROTHAL RINGS. 127. Gold signet ; the hoop forms sc\cn circular medallions divided by pellets engraved with male and female busts alteinating. The lines arc filled with niello, and on each side of the head in each medallion is a branch or flower of punched dots. The bezel is rectangular, deeply engraved with a male and female bust confronted ; between the two heads is a cross with equal arms. The man wears a chlamys, with fibula on the ;-. shoul- der, the female a. mantle covering both shoulders, ear-rings, and a necklace. See figure. 5//; century. D. 1-02 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Weight, 446 grains. Formerly in the Dimitri Coll. Christian Catalogue, no. 207. Fortnum in y4n"A. yfl//;;/. x.Nix, p. 304, fig. 2. Cf. no. and a gold ring at Vienna (Y. Ameth, Cold- und Silber-Monumente, Sr'c., pl. xii, fig. 152). 112 128. Gold signet ; flat hoop ; rectangular bezel engraved with two male and female busts confronted. D. -S in. L. of bezel, -26 in. Weight, 33 grains. Christian Catalogue, no. 208. The ring has no definite emblem of Christianity upon it, but the subject, though very inferior in execution, resembles that of the preceding number. 129. Bronze ; flat polygonal hoop and raised rectangular bezel rudely engraved with two confronted busts. On the hoop on each side of the bezel is a panel engraved with a bird. D. -/S in. L. of bezel, -30 in. Christian Catalogue, no. 209. 3. MISCELLANEOUS. 130. Gold ; the hoop hollow and narrowest at the back, where there is a carbuncle in a raised setting ; the shoulders are moulded to represent hares. High circular bezel with pierced sides, containing a gold coin of the Emperor Marcian (A.D. 450-7), showing the obverse. See figure. 5/// ecu tiny. D. 1-3 in. D. of bezel, -98 in. Weight, 3S2 grains. From the Seine at Rouen. Christian Catalogue, no. 210 and PI. IV. **^ 131. Gold : the hoop formed of a plain wire to which is applied a gold coin of the Emperor Justinian I, within a pearled border. The reverse of the coin is to the front of the ring. D. I in. Weight, 143 grains. Castellani Coll. 1865. Christian Catalogue, no. 211. 22 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 132. Gold ; pierced hoop of three horizontal bands ornamented with punched dots, enclosing four circular open-work medallions each containing a cross pattee. Sec figure. FBCl^a v ;.. D. '7 in. Weight, 48 grains. From Smyrna. ^^ '.V^ivW Christian Catalogue, no. 212. 133. Bronze stamp-ring ; rounded hoop with a boss on each side of the bezel, which is square, perforated at each corner, and ornamented with a cruciform figure in relief. D. 1-2 in. L. of bezel, -7 in. From Thebes, Eg>-pt. Christian Catalogue, no. 213. 134. Bronze ; circular bezel deeply engraved with a cross pattee. D. 1-2 in. D. of bezel, -92 in. From Quft, Egypt. Christian Catalogue, no. 214. 135. Iron .signet ; plain rounded hoop and applied circular bezel engraved with a cross with bifurcating ends. D. -9 in. D. of bezel, -46 in. From Thebes, Egypt. Christian Catalogue, no. 215. 136. Iron ; slender hoop and applied circular bezel engraved with a cross with bifurcating ends. D. -64 in. D. of bezel, '34 in. From Luxor, Eg)-pt. Christian Catalogue, no. 216. 137. Bronze ; polygonal hoop ; bezel in the shape of a cross pattee, with traces of an inscription, the letter CO being in the centre, and four others, of which two are H and i. D. -S in. Weight, 140 grains. 191 3. Found near Swindon. The legend is perhaps a personal name. The other two letters, the alpha and om:ga of the Greek alphabet, probably have a religious significance. 184. Gold ; a plain hoop engraved on the outer side with a runic legend ending with three letters in the interior. Traces of niello remain in several letters. Late Saxon. D. ro3 in. Weight, 360 grains. Given by the Earl of Aberdeen, after 1817. Found in 1817 on Greymoor Hill, in the hamlet of Kingmoor near Carlisle. Arcliaeologia, xxi (1S17), p. 25 ; Stephens, Runic Monuments, i. 496. See also Archaeologia, xxviii, pi. xxi. Another gold ring, with an almost identical inscription, found at Bramham Moor, Yorkshire, appears to be that now in the Museum at Copenhagen (W'orsaae, Nordiskc Oldsiigcr, fig. 442, p. 105). The various attempts to decipher the inscriptions on these two rings and on nos. 1S5-6 below are not regarded as successful. Three words occur in each case, and the sense is very probably magical. 185. Bronze ; a plain hoop engraved on the outer side with a runic inscription ending, as in no. 1S4, with three letters on the inner surface. Late Saxon. D. fo6 in. Given by R. Ferguson, Esq., M.P., 1875. Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 2nd sen, vi, p. 339, no. 4. The inscription resembles that of the previous number. 186. Agate ; broad hoop with convex outer side engraved with a runic inscription. See figure. Late Saxon. D. I-I2 in. Given by A. W. Franks, Esq., 1873. A. W. Franks in Archaeologia, xliv. 481 and xxi. 117; Stephens, Runic Monuments, \, p. 499. Mr. Franks suggested that this ring and the others of the class may have been attached to swords and not worn on the finger, rings having been found in connexion with swords in Anglo-Saxon cemeteries. 32 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS (d) Ornamental. 187. Silver ; a wire with the two ends bent over each other to form a hoop. Early Saxon. D. ■" in. (Braybrooke Coll.) From grave no. 47 at Little Wilbraham, Cambs. See R. C. Neville, Saxon Obsequies, p. 17. 188. Bronze ; a piece of wire with the ends bent over each other as in the previous example. Early Saxcn. D. "74 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found with nos. 189, 190, in grave no. 9 at Linton Heath, Cambridgeshire. 1853. Arch. Journ. xi (1854I, p. 97. 189. Another, similar. Sec figure. Early Saxon. D. 74 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found with nos. iSS and 190 in grave no. 9 at Linton Heath, Cambridgeshire. Archaeological Journal, xi, p. 97. 190. Silver ; a spiral band. See figure. Early Saxon. Found with nos. 188 and 189 in grave no. 9 at Linton Heath, Cambridgeshire. 191. Silver ; a flat band diminishing towards the ends, which overlap each other ; the outer side ornamented with a cable band, terminating at each end in a spike and two pairs of pellets. Early Sa.von. D. -82 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found with no. 192 in grave no. 45 at Linton Heath, Cambridgeshire. Arch. Journ., as above, p. 105. 192. Silver ; a plain hoop. Early Saxon. D. -8 in. Found with no. 191. 193. Silver ; a flat band forming a double coil ; the outer side is ornamented with a band of conventional design. Sec figure. Early Saxon. D. 72 in. Found in grave no. 28 at Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire. R. C. Neville, Saxon Obsequies, pi. xiii. EARLY TEUTONIC 33 194. Sll.VKR ; a flat bantl forming a coil ; the outer side is cliaiinellecl. Sec figure. Early Saxon. D. -84 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) From grave no. 28 at Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire, 1851. R. C. Neville, Saxon Obsequies, pi. xiii. 195. Bronze ; a plain band with overlapping ends. Early Saxon. D. 7 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) From grave no. 53 at Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire. R. C. Neville, Saxon Obsequies, p. 17. 196. ]iROXZK ; of .similar form, with vertical ridges at intervals. Early Saxon. D. 7 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in grave no. 1 10 at Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire. R. C. Neville, Saxon Obsequies, p. 20. 197. Bronze ; similar form ; on the outer side a chequer pattern. Early Saxon. D. I -02 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) From grave no. 100 at Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire, R. C. Neville, Saxon Obsequies, pi. xiii. 198. Silver; similar type ; ornamented on the outer side with two bands of dots. Early Saxon. D. 7 in. 199. Goij) ; the hoop formed of a cable wire in a ninefold coil. Late Saxon. D. 74 in. Weight, 96 grains. Found at Mountfield, Sussex. 200. GoLL ; the hoop convex on the outer side with a raised rim above and below. Plate II. Late Saxon. D. I in. Weight, 236 grains. Found at Mountfield, Sussex. 201. Gold ; the broad hoop ornamented with a row of seven high bosses, between which are pellets enclosed witiiin triple pearled borders. Plate II. L^ate Saxon. D. 1-22 in. Weight, 491 grains. Found at Lewes Priory, Sussex. 202. Gold ; the massive rounded hoop has on opposite sides two applied circular bezels, each having a group of three large pellets to right and left, with smaller pellets. The outer sides of the hoop are engraved with interlaced knots ; one of the bezels has three interlaced triangles, the other a circular design D 34 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS of continuous intersecting cun'es ; the edges of the bezels are ornamented with bands of zigzag. All the ornament is filled with niello. Plate II, and sec figure. Late Saxon. D. rc6 in. Weight, 615 grains. 1855. Found in the River Ncne, near Peterborough. Arch. Joum. xiii. 87; xbc. 326; Victoria County History: Northants, vol. i, p. 253: H. Clifford Sm\\\i. Jeweller); p. 72 and pi. xiii, fig. 6. 203. Gold ; the hoop flat and covered on the outer side with four bands of twisted wire between two pearled borders, the whole creating the eftect of plaited work (cf. no. 204) ; long pointed bezel applied at right angles : raised settings bordered with twisted and pearled wire, all once filled with table-stones or pastes, of which only one, a garnet, remains in position. Plate II. Late Saxon. D. -82 in. H. of bezel, 1-33 in. Weight, 135 grains. 1S49. Found near Tipperarj'. 204. Gold ; the hoop expanding to a large oval bezel. It is covered with bands of twisted wire, simulating plaiting and diverging at the shoulders so as to enclose a circular design in pearled wire and pellets. The principal motive may be a quatrefoil, the pellets in the centre and interspaces forming a cross pattee. Plate II. Late Saxon. D. '9 in. L. of bezel, i-i6 in. Weight, 1S5 grains. Found in Garrick Street, London. See R. A. Smith in Victoria County History' of London, p. 157 and coloured plate, figs. 2 and 4 ; H. Clifford Sxmi^i, Jewellery, pi. xiii, fig. 8. The form should be compared with that of an inscribed gold ring found at Bossington, Hampshire, and now in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (^Victoria County History: Hants, i, p. 397: Journ. Brit. Arch. Assoc, i. 341). The present ring appears to belong to the time when native art had outgrown the animal forms of the pagan period, but was not yet penaded by Irish or Scandinavian influences. Twisted wire arranged to simulate plaiting is also found in combination with pellets on Frankish rings (e.g. Deloche, Anneaux sigillaires, p. 117 : ring from Spontin, Namur). 205. Gold ; massive ring with hoop widening towards the front, where there is an oval setting with pearled border containing a gold plate engraved with a cross potent. The shoulders and front of the ring are ornamented with deep hollows enclosed by pearled wire loops. The edges of the hoop are bordered with twisted and plain wires. Plate II. Late Saxon. D. i'2 in. Weight, 488 grains. Found in North Lincolnshire, on the east bank of the Trent. .A. W. Franks in Proc. Sac. Ant., 2nd ser., iv, p. 97. 206. Gold; broad hoop e.xpanding to the front, with applied ornament consisting of three rows of club-shaped lobes with fih'gree between. Oval bezel with broad cable borders, set with a Late Roman intaglio on sard — a trophy of arms. Plate I. Lat£ Saxon. D. 1-04 in. Weight. 414 grains. 1905. Found near Faversham, Kent. EARLY TEUTONIC 35 207. Gold; massive hoop expandinc^ from back to front, chased over the whole outer side with an intricate ornament of interlaced animals. Plalc II. l,ate Saxon. D. I-I7 in. Weight, 451 grains. Purchased 1865. (Castellan! Coll.) The style of the ornament recalls that of other works of art in metal, ivory, or wood executed in England or in Scandinavia. Its date is probably about the time of the Conquest or rather later. A gold ring with interlaced animals round the hoop, in a rather different style, is at Stockholm (O. IMontelius, Guide to the Collection of the National Historical Museum, 1S87, p. 98), and the manner in which the animals interlace recalls the work on Swedish brooches of the later Iron Age (H. Hildebrand, The Industrial Arts of Scandinavia, 1883, p. loi) and brooches of the Viking period in Denmark (J. J. Worsaae, Danish Arts, fig. 237, p. 197) 207a. Gold ; a broad flat hoop roughened over the whole outer surface. Anglo-Saxon. ()t/i-\oth ecu tiny. D. I in. Weight, 471 grains. Found in the Thames at Hammersmith. Although the ring has few decided features, and no ornamental design to serve as comparative material, its massive character, the sc[uare finish of the edges, and the roughening, which somewhat recalls no. 183, all tend to support the above attribution. The place of its discovery, though proving nothing in itself, accords well with an Anglo-Saxon origin. (ii) Viking, 208. Gold ; the hoop made of a broad band narrowing to a wire at the two ends, whicli arc knotted and coiled at the back. The front has two bands of stamped ornament diverging from the shoulders, each formed of a row of trefoils within pearled borders ; the space between them is filled by a pearled band swelling towards the middle. On each shoulder are two punched triangles and two engraved circles. The inside is concave. Plate II. D. I in. Weight, 223 grains. Found at Tundergarth, Annandale, Dumfriesshire. The style of the stamped design and the knot at the back both recall the Northern silver hoard found at Cuerdale, Lancashire, to which no. 210 belongs. 209. Gold ; the hoop concave within and narrowing at the back to wh'es which are bent over each other. The outer side is ornamented with two bands of zigzag enclosing dots. See figure. D. -96 in. Weight, 102 grains. 1912. Found in Oxfordshire. 210. Silver ; a plain rounded hoop diminishing to the back, where the ends overlap. D. I in. Given by Her Majesty Queen Victoria through the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 1S41. Found with other ornaments and numerous coins at Cuerdale, Lancashire, the hoard having been deposited about A. D. 910. See Arch. Journ. \\. pp. 11 1 and 191 ; Victoria County History : Lancashire, vol. i, p. 258. D 2 36 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2n. Silver ; penannular hoop of thick wire diminishing towards the ends. D. "9 in. Found near Douglas, Isle of Man, with coins dating from a.D. 925 to 975. 212. Gold ; formed of two wires twisted together : one thick and plain, the other thin and waved ; the ring becomes narrower towards the back, where the wires are beaten together. D. I in. Weight, 153 grains. 1S70. Found at West Bergholt, Essex. Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 2nd series, ii, p. 247. 213. Gold : hoop of plaited wires diminishing towards the back, where they are beaten into a flat plate. D. I-25 in. Weight, 197 grains. 1S49 Found near Waterford. 214. Gold ; hoop of plaited wires diminishing towards the back, where thej- are beaten together. D. 1-12 in. Weight. 2c6 grains. 1905. Found about 1S90 in a stone coffin in St. .Aldate's Street, Oxford, during excavations for a drain opposite the great gateway of Christ Church. The hoop is now penannular, but the ends may have originally been united, as in the following numbers. 215. Gold ; a hoop of plaited wire diminishing to the back, where it is beaten solid. D. i-i in. Weight, 239 grs. Found with a hoard of silver coins of Edward the Confessor, Harold, and William I in a field near Wickham Lodge, Sobenon, Hants, in a vessel of red earthenware. The ring is now penannular, but the division is due to damage. 215a. Another ; of similar type, with a plait of three wires. See figure. D. 103 in. Weight. 120 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Found in Hamsey Churchyard, Sussex. Cf. a ring in the Victoria and Albert Museum, no. 632-71. 215b. Another. D. -9 in. Weight, 3S grains. (Soden Smith ColL) ai5C. Another ; of two wires with a thin pearled wire inter- twined. Sec figure. D. 94 in. Weight, 106 grains. From Gothland. 216. Gold, with overlapping ends at the back, where it is narrowest. The out- side is ornamented with punched circles. D. i-i in. Weight, 256 grains. Found with the preceding number. 37 C. SIGNET-RINGS. I. From A.D. looo to 1450. {a) Se^ ivilli antique gems. 217. Gold ; the hoop engraved with vine-leaves in outHiic and nielloed. The raised oblong bezel contains a sard engraved in intaglio with a standing figure of Hygieia with patera and serpent. \itli-\o,tli century (?). D. l-l6 in. Weight, 3S5 grains. CastcUani Coll. 1S72. The gem is Roman. 218. Gold ; the outside of the hoop forming a series of indentations, each con- taining a letter of the inscription: TEBAL CVT GVTANI. Oval bezel set with a plasma engraved in intaglio with a lion statant. Round the margin is engraved : A -I- C + L -I- A. Plate III. 13/// century. D. -92 in. Weight, 68 grains. The gem is Late Roman. The inscription is magical (cf. no. 866). Rings resembling this and the following numbers are in the Victoria and Albert Museum (nos. 723-'7l, 725-'7l, 726-'7l, 727-'7i, S9-1S99). They should also be compared with contemporary signets, not in the form of rings, but consisting of intaglio gems in silver mounts, which bear similar inscriptions. The gems are for the most part Late Roman and of inferior quality, but sometimes an intaglio of fair workmanship is found. Occasionally a contemporary gem occurs, presumably cut in Italy, as in the example figured in the British Museum Guide to tlie Mediaeval Room. 1907, p. 195. Good series of these signets, used as counter-seals or as secreta for private correspondence, are to be seen in the British and Victoria and Albert Museums. Cf. also Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 2nd sen, i, p. 53 ; vii, p. 47 ; xiii, pp. 49 ff. ; ArcIi.Jourii. iii, p. 76 ; iv, p. 150 ; V, pp. 3 fif. ; vi, p. 35 ; x, p. 32S ; xi, pp. 84, 266 ; .xvi, p. 357 ; .xxi, p. 319 ; xxii, pp. 1 17 ff., 164 ; xxvi, pp. 84 ff. 219. Gold ; slender hoop and octagonal bezel containing a plasma engraved in intaglio with a figure of Mercury standing to /., holding caduceus and purse. Latin legend, in which the words Iwc signuni can be deciphered. Plate III. 13/'// century. D. -92 in. Weight, 83 grains. The intaglio is Late Roman. 220. Gold ; octagonal bezel containing an oval bloodstone engraved in intaglio with a bust with pendent hood. Legend : S' QRISTINQ KliMKRIQI. Plate III. English, ij,tk century. D. of hoop, -87 in. L. of bezel, '66 in. .Weight, 75 grains. Found at Canterbury. Proc. Soi. Ant. London, 2nd ser., i. 51. The intaglio is mediaeval. 38 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 221. Silver : circular bezel set with a sard engraved in intaglio with the head of a young satyr. Legend : S'. SIIIORISII'. Plate III. Italian, 14th coiiiiry. ■ D. of hoop. -82 in. D. of bezeL -54 in. The intaglio is antique. The last word of the legend may stand for inagistri. 222. Gold ; circular bezel with an eagle engraved in intaglio on oriental carbuncle. Legend : + S • «^ 10 08 SHiT/RO. Plate in. Italian, i^th century. D. of hoop, -85 in. L. of bezel. -39 in. Weight, 43 grains. The intaglio is probably Late Roman. 223. Gold ; oval bezel set with a plasma, engraved in intaglio with Venus standing by a column and holding a helmet. Legend: SKrlLVII SQURHel. Plate III. English, early i^th century. D. of hoop, -77 in. L. of bezel, -58 in. Weight, 55 grains. Found at London Bridge. 224. Gold ; oval bezel set with a nicolo engraved in intaglio with a bust of Ceres. Legend: SI(?LLL\n[I SeCIRecI. Plate III. English, early \j,th century. D. of hoop, '98 in. L. of bezel, -69 in. Weight, 105 grains. Found at Chester. The intaglio is Late Roman. 225. Gold ; oval bezel set with a chalcedony engraved in intaglio with a figure of Nemesis, with branch and wheel. Legend : SIGILL : SHQIltiTI. Plate III. English, early i^th century. D. of hoop, -86 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Weight, 65 grains. Found at South Loftus. York. The intaglio is Late Roman. 226. Gold ; oval bezel set with a sard containing an intaglio bust of Hercules. Legend : RGO : SHOReTK : TH(rO. Plate III. English, early \A,th century. D. of hoop, -93 in. L. of bezel, .73 in. Weight, 104 grains. The intaglio is perhaps Late Roman. 227. Gold : oval bezel set with a plasma engraved in intaglio with a female figure (Hebe?) with patera. Legend: + MARINVS: DEIVDICE. Plate 111. Italian. 14th century. D. of hoop, -87 in. L. of bezel, •57 in. Weight, 71 grains. Obtained in Naples. The intaglio is Late Roman. 228. Gold ; the hoop divided into two longitudinal grooves engraved with scroll and zigzag designs counterchanged and once enamelled ; oval bezel set with a sard engraved with an eagle holding a wreath. Legend : SHCIRQTVVR • ffiflVflS ; pearled border. Plate III. Italian, 14th century. D. of hoop, -82 in. L. of bezel, -54 in. Weig^jt, 71 grains. The intaglio is contemporary. 1 SIGNET-RINGS 39 229. 230 Gold; flat hoop engraved on the outside: Vici'luilll : Cdl'O fiimiin : CiSt); on each .shoulder a rosette within a lo/.enge. once enamelled. ( )(:tagonal bezel 231. sa mn-brnw c i\ (^j; v factum ^ — ^> .set with a nicolo engraved in intaglio w itli a genius with [jalni-branch and crown. Legend: SIG^ILLilSU SUUmU SUaKUT^ISU. Sfe figure. Italian, early 14th century. D. -96 in. D. of bezel, .52 in. Waddesdon Bequest. The intaglio is Late Roman. The ring is fixed by three chains to a devotional carving of tlic fourteenth century in boxwood (C. H. Read, Catalogue of the Waddesdon Bequest, 1902, no. 231). For Italian ornaments witli inscriptions in this style, Jtv also ^n'/«rttfc/(?^/«, Ixii (1911), p. 394 (rings, (5>;c., from Chalcis now in the liritish .Museum and the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford) ; Arch, Journ. viii. 41S (ring from Sessa). For the verse Verbiim caro, &c., see under no. 895, and cf. Pichon Collection, Sale Catalogue, 1S97, no. 67. Gold ; octagonal bezel containing a garnet engraved in intaglio with a female bust with wreath. Round the hoop is an inscription reserved in the metal in ^S53' ^^^E|^ >|^Hy:^|{!MM^:J!!.^:^l^S ^^^]M^ Lombardic letters: * IH SI^iII^^]S + Tafl(S) + DOSIiTUH fldOWflimO + SPIRO, once nielloed and enamelled. Sec figure. Italian, J^th century. D. I in. L. of bezel, "44 '"• Weight, 65 grains. 1872 (Castellani Coll.). The intaglio is Late Roman. Cf., for inscription, ring in the Pichon Collection, Sale Catalogue, 1897, no. 64. Gold ; the hoop triangular in section ; the two faces of the outer side with an inscription reserved in the metal in Lombardic letters : + IHi^?lS' JfldTOSR Tii/Ti/i^Kius peR swoDiasn iLLORam iHiiT insas rosrii/q Tao S('iTL?]Sj. Hollowed and chased shoulders ; on the lower part of each is engraved a sign (^. Oval bezel containing a sard engraved in intaglio with a laureate imperial bust; in Lombardic characters: + UOilRia IX I PHTRaOia SRHRaiTTflT'. Sec figure. Italian, 14th century. D. "9 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. Weight, 118 grains. 1853. Formerly in the collection of Count Milano. The gem is perhaps contemporary. For the legend lesus autem, &c., cf. nos. 877, 339, 283, and Catalogue of the I'ichon Collection, as above, no. 66. 40 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 232. Gold; the shoulders of quadrangular section engraved with a band of acanthus design, and the initials K F. Octagonal bezel, set with an intaglio on burnt onyx (?) of two cupids playing viorra. Plate III. Italian, 15/// century. D. of hoop, -75 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Weight, 86 grains. Given to Sir A. \\". Franks by Madame Castellani. The intaglio Late Roman. 233. Gold ; the hoop engraved with a legend inscribed in overlapping oval contours: 3 C tJOUStlCn?! t/l///[//////\ XWtiV. Cross-hatched borders. Oval bezel set with a nicolo engraved in intaglio with two masks. English, early i^t/i century. D. -98 in. Weight. 162 grains. The inscription may be : y^- 7'ous liens, tenes-inoi. 234. Gold ; the hoop wreathed with bands of imbrications ; octagonal bezel con- taining a nicolo engraved in intaglio with a male figure holding a branch and a helmet (?). Legend: -h KIPIOCc|>OTICMOCMOVKeCOTIPMOVTIN AOBI0(l) (Kvpios (pioTKTiJios fjLOv Kol (TwTiip jjLov, tCvu (/)o,3i;^(?icro/jtat ;), Ps. xxvii. i\ Plate III. Italian, 14/// century. D. 1-13 in. Weight, 375 grains. The intaglio Late Roman. This ring is in an Italian style, and like no. 239 and the rings found at Chalcis, now in the .\shmolean Museum, Oxford (see under no. 229), was perhaps made by Italian goldsmitlis for countrymen established in Greece. 235. Gold ; the shoulders faceted and engraved with foliate ornament and cross-hatching. Octagonal bezel with pearled edging, set with a nicolo engraved in intaglio with Bacchanalian figures. Italian, i^t/t century. D. of hoop, -86 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Weight, 197 grains. Found in Greece. 236. Silver gilt ; the hoop plain at the back ; the shoulders engraved with leaf imbrications ; projecting oval bezel engraved on the sides with a band of egg and tongue design, and set with a chalcedony rudely engraved in intaglio with a human figure holding a branch. Italian, early i^th century. D. of hoop. -82 in. L. of bezel, -55 in. The intaglio may be Etruscan. 237. Bronze : slender hoop with pounced scrolls on the shoulders : oval bezel with four claws containing a plasma engraved in intaglio with a horse walking to ;-. with a cerastes upon its back. 15/// century. D. 1-04. ( Braybrooke Coll.) The intaglio is Gnostic. SIGNliT-RINGS 41 238. Bronze ; oval bezel set with a sard engraved in intaglio with a laureate head of bearded emperor to ;-. The hoop has an oblong setting on each shoulder, now empty. See figure. x6/// cetiiitry. V). IM2 in. The gem may be antique of the early third century .\.l> possibly Severus. the subject beinti {l>) Engraved icith arms and devices. The octagonal bezel is 239. Gold; in the form of a bow-ring (cf. nos. 3383 ff.) engraved in intaglio with a shield of arms: per bend, a column and three bends, for Donati (?), surmounted by a helm with mantling and crest a column. Legend: .S(Ilrl^?JSW) I)H CHWO DOH'iTT(I) ; pearled border. Round the hoop is an inscription reserved upon a ground of niello : + 1HX^JS ¥ ■fl^]THM^ * TKflHSHlWS * PHK SKBDiam ILLOIWISn * IBART * HLOI, with rosettes between several of the words. The ex- tended back of the ring has on one side of the inscription a column between two confronted wyverns, on the other a trefoil between two leaves, all on a ground of niello. In the interior of the hoop is engraved a column upon a mount cut towards the middle by a scythe with handle upwards, from which issues a scroll with legend : jfllDfl VRHDIO (?), the whole nielloed. Plate III, and see figures. Italian, Venetian, i^th century. D. 1-5 in. D. of bezel, -54 in. Weight, 565 grains. Found at .Vegium in the Peloponnese. P'or testis auieiii, &c., cf. nos. 231, 2S3. 240. Silver ; plain hoop ; bezel a flat disk engraved with a hand holding a sickle, and legend : Hh S. FRiluaiSUI. Italian, 14th century. D. of hoop. -89 in. U. of bezel, -69 in. 241. Silver ; plain hoop of triangular section ; flat circular bezel engraved with the Agnns Dei. Italian, i^t/t century. V). of hoop, fg in. D. of bezel, -yd in. (Soden Smith Coll.i 42 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 242. Silver ; slender hoop with engraved herring-bone pattern on the shoulders ; flat circular bezel engraved with a bull's head with a cross between the horns ; round the border an inscription : D I N D I V ND I (?). Italian, ij^t/i century. D. 76 in. D. of bezel, "44 in. 243. SlLVF.R ; hoop of triangular section ; the shoulders ribbed : circular bezel with flat centre engraved ivith a lion passant ; on the bevelled edge the legend : Italian, i^tk century. D. of hoop, -84 in. D. of bezel, -54 in. 244. Silver ; plain hoop with ornamented shoul- ders ; oval bezel engraved with a bird and sur- rounding legend : ICH DAOI. Sec figure. Italian, i^th century. D. of hoop, -96 in. D. of bezel, -5 in. 245. Silver ; plain slender hoop ; flat circular bezel engraved with a fleur-de-lis. Legend: *HIIiO*hH. Italian, 14/// ce?itury. D. -86 in. D. of bezel, -56 in. Given by the executors of the Christy Collection. 1S65. 246. Silver ; plain hoop widening towards the shoulders ; circular bezel engraved with two confronted figures, above which is a cross potent between sun and moon. Around an illegible inscription. Italian, i^th century. D. of hoop, -84 in. D. of bezel, -54 in. 247. SlIAER ; the hoop of triangular section, having on each shoulder a shield-shaped projection engraved with a leaf. The oval bezel is set with a red paste engraved in intaglio with a lion passant to ;-. Round the border is an indeterminate inscription. See figure. Italian, \\th century. D. l-o6 in. L. of bezel, '66 in. 1S72. 248. Silver ; plain hoop ; circular bezel engraved with an axe-head, and legend (rilLC'-iTOV • \i\) ■ WOl'TVL. Italian, \j,tlt century. D. of hoop, -96 in. D. of bezel, '57 in. SIGNET-RINGS 43 249. Silver ; plain hoop with engraved pattern on shoulders ; circular bezel engraved with a monstrous quadruped. Italian, 14th century. I), of hoop, "94 in. L. of bezel, '51 in. 250. Gni.i) ; the hoop has designs in relief; at the back a cruciform ornament, on each shoulder a lion rampant and a scroll. Flat oval bezel engraved with a monster, and legend: 6 75;H{?) P(I I)HH. Sec figure. Italian, late ^4tlt century. D. of hoop, -Sd in. L. of bezel, -52 in. Weight, 77 grains. Found in Cyprus. 251. Sii.VKR ; plain hoop ; bezel a flat disk engraved with the letter border. Italian, \^t/i century. D. of lioop, -95 in. D. of bezel, -83 in. ; pearled 252. Gold ; the hoop engraved with two bands of quatrefoils with oval medallions. The circular bezel is rudely engraved with a shield of arms : a lion rampant. Legend: THANH H ETPOTA. Plate III. Greek, \4tl1 century. I), of hoop, '9 in. D. of bezel, -55 in. Weight, 85 grains. 253. Gold ; plain hoop and oblong bezel bevelled at the back and engraved v.-ith a vernicle within a wide border of leaves. ^\tli century. D. of hoop, roi in. L. of bezel, 78 in. Weight, 185 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 254. Goi.D SIGNET ; round the hoop is legend reserved in the metal in Lombardic letters, and once nielloed: + 10 U?Kr/?IS T^ITTS + HOWinn >^ (T. On each shoulder a crown in a pentagonal panel. High octagonal bezel with engraved borders containing a nicolo engraved in intaglio with a shield of arms: three bends, with a chief. See figure. Italian, \^,tll century. D. I-I2 in. L. of bezel, -38 in. Weight, 134 grains. 1S72. (Castellani Coll.) The back of the ring is considerably worn, and the interior is reinforced. The legend, which is from Luke iv. 30, should continue Connnendo spiritiim incnm. Cf. ring in the Pichon Coll., Catalogue, &c., 1897, no. 64. 44 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 255. Gold ; the hoop of quadrangular section, widening at the shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : a lion rampant, with helmet and crest a hounds head collared. Legend : R . PHTRI D' ffiO' T . aLiSRI (Petri di Monte Ulmi). Plate III, and sec figure. Italian, ij,t/i century. D. of hoop, -Qi in. (Braybrooke Coll.) L. of bezel, -54 in. Weight, 137 grains. 256, 257- Gold ; the hoop faceted on the shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : a fess, helmet and mantling, and crest a demi-dragon. Legend : vwGiLm Dvais vaHa;sii. Plate III. Italian, i4.th century. D. I in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 139 grains. Gold ; the exterior of the hoop richly chased with floral designs on which are scrolls with the legend : t)C f CCllS Sd- Octagonal bezel with revolving centre set with a sapphire and a sard, working on a swivel ; on the border, legend : * (rVIDBTI DH G/vSTlLIOHO. The sapphire is engraved in intaglio with a male head ; the sard with an eagle to /. Plate III, and see figure. Italian, \\th century. D. -84 in. Weight, 147 grains. The signet of Perseval d'Enneval, chamberlain of Charles V and VI, has a bezel revolving in a similar manner (Cat. des objets antiques . . . du Baron Jerome Pic/ton, 1897, no. 52). 258. Gold : faceted hoop with legend reser\ed in the metal : ?JHRB^IVI> iTRITiTBIT \\l I/OHIS IhOflWUS. The 9;aiSB;umiLDittf:oMKr>:i« S ■ lilOnOaailO. Cable border. See figure. Italian, early i^lli century. 1). of hoop, 1-03 in. L. of bezel, -64 in. 263. 264. Silver ; plain hoop; oval bezel engraved with a tree. Italian, early I'^th century. D. of hoop, •86 in. L. of bezel, -48 in. I.Soden Smith Coll.) Silver ; flat hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms ; a star and bordure compony, with label of three points. Legend: lOhKRUOdTil ' U6" STHLLil. Italian, x^th century. D. of hoop, 72 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. 265. Silver; plain hoop; on each shoulder a palm-leaf; oblong bezel engraved with a cock, and an indecipherable legend. Italian, early I'fli century. D. of hoop, i-o6 in. L. of bezel, '6 in. 46 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 266. Silver ; plain hoop ; engraved shoulders ; projecting oval bezel engraved with a dolphin (?). See figure. Italian, early ij/// century. D. of hoop, -96 in. L. of bezel, -58 in. 267. Gold; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : quarterly: i and 2. no charge ; 3 and 4, dancettj' surmounted by a helmet with crest a demi-lion. Legend : ('il Tj, all within a cable border. Plate IV. Italian, late 1 4?/; century. D. of hoop, -SS in. L. of bezel, -54 in. Weight, 150 grains. 268. Gold ; on each shoulder the letter p ; octagonal bezel engraved with shield with star of six points ; helmet and crest a goat's head, with legend : Rtll" : IlIOP. Plate IV. English, i^th century. D. of hoop. -9 in. I), of bezel, -47 in. Weight, 173 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 291. Gold ; bezel a circular disk engraved with a bird's head and neck issuing from a coronet ; around : II, four times repeated. Plate IV. Euglisli, I'yth century. I), nf hoop, I-02 in. H. of bezel, -44 in. Weight. 185 grains. 292. Gold ; engraved in the interior with the legend : al : IS : tJOtl : VdcIc ; octagonal bezel on moulded base joined to the hoop bj' scrolls engraved with arms of South (?) on a shield : two bars in chief a mullet. Crest a tree ; the field filled with Gothic tracery. Plate IV. English, \-^tli century. D. of hoop, -98 in. L. of bezel, -49 in. Weight, 263 grains. 293. Gold ; hoop engraved on the ex- terior with the legend : + [ll ^ Oil " IS » al " and a sprig ; circular bezel en- graved with the letter H, crowned within an eight-foil of traces beyond which is a pearled border. Plate IV, and sec figure. English, \Sth century. D. of hoop, -98 in. D. of bezel, -49 in. Weight, 226 grains. (Braybrooke Coll. 5.) Dug up at Little Easton, Essex, 1S52. 294. Gold ; on the shoulders pounced scrolls ; circular bezel engraved with figure of a couchant stag and legend : 31 • lOtlCllcllE ; cable border. Plate IV. English, about A. D. 1.500. D. of hoop, -98 in. D. of bezel, -46 in. Weight, 253 grains. 295. G(~)LD ; circular bezel engraved with a female bust with long hair and garland ; cable border. Plate IV. Late i^th century. P. of hoop, 1-23 in. D. of bezel. -42 in. Weight. 465 grains. 1. ,£^,»,ax>^^>s>oc. 50 CATALOGUE OK FINGER-RINGS 296. Goi.l) ; channelled shoulders ; circular bezel with cable border, engraved with a shield of arms : two lions passant. In the interior is engraved the legend : ft port foi' Oil If llOP. Plate W. English, about A. D. 1500. D. of hoop, 1-03 in. D. of bezel, -52 in. Weight, 363 grains. Found in tlie Thames near Battersea (Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, ist ser., iv, p. 268). II. From A. D. 1450 to 1650. {a) Set witli gems. 297. Gni.n ; hoop a twist : oval bezel set with a sard engraved in intaglio with a helmeted head. \6th century. D. of hoop, "94 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Weight, 284 grains. 298. Goi.l) : the hoop a twist: projecting oval bezel set with a paste engraved in intaglio with a wyvern (?). Late \6tli crnttny. D. of hoop, "9 in. L. of bezel, -51 in. Weight, 119 grains. 299. Gold ; the hoop chased on the shoulders with formal foliated designs. Oval bezel set with an imperial head engraved in intaglio on sard of contemporary' work. Plate V. German, 16th century. U. of hoop, roS in. L. of bezel, -69 in. Weight, 152 grains. iSoden Smith Coil.) 300. Gold ; the oval bezel, which has a pearled band round the sides, is set with a "^ard engraved in intaglio with two masks : a satyr and a maenad c nnbined. Plate V. \()tli century. D. of hoop, -93 in. L. of bezel, -57 in. Weight. 1 48 grains. Found near Woodstock, Oxon. The intaglio contemporary with the ring. 301. Gold: small hoop chased with foliate designs on the shoulders, and beaded border round the bezel. Oval bezel set with a garnet engraved in intaglio with two standing figures, perhaps Aesculapius and Hygieia. 1 6th century. D. of hoop, -65 in. L. ol bezel, -42 in. Weight, 50 grains. The gem is probably .intique. 302. Gold : oval bezel with pearled band round the sides, set with a crystal engraved in intaglio with a male head of contemporary work. J'late V. ifith century. IJ. of hoop. -96 in. L. of bezel. -56 in. Weight, 105 grains. (Sodeu .Smith Coll.) SIGNICT-RINGS 51 303. Goi.l) ; the hoop engraved on the shoulders ; oval bezel with pearled edLje set with a lapis lazuli cnsjra\ed in intaglio wilh Eros holding a ball (?) with both hands. if)tli century. U. -8 in. I,, of bezel, -5 in. Weight, 70 t;rains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. The gem is Late Roman. 304. Gold ; oval bezel set with a dark .sard engraved in intaglio with a figure of a deity leaning on a column, with composite attributes: the helmet of Minerva, the cornucopia of I'^ortunc, the caduceus of Mercury, together with a shield and a serpent ; round the edge of the bezel a pearled and twisted band. Eu<^lis/i, 1 6/// century. D. ro6 in. L. of bezeU '6 in. Weight, 223 grains. The intaglio Late Roman. 305. Gold; slender hoop; oval bezel set with a sard engraved in intaglio with Cupid in a chariot, driving two birds ; pearled edge. English, I Ml cent.iry. U. '99 in. L. of bezel, • 5 in. Weight, 98 grains. (I5raybrooke Coll.) Dug up between Annecy and Rumiliy, south of Geneva. 306. Gold; circular bezel containing a sard engraved in intaglio of contemporary work with a male bust, having a composite head with three faces. That in the centre, seen full, is bearded and has a lock of hair over the brow ; the two in profile are hairless. On the bonier of the bezel the word /|50tocl is engraved twice. Plate V. English, \6th century. n. 1-04 in. Weight, 281 grains. The hoop has been restored. The gem may be Italian of rather earlier date, and represent the cognizance of the 1 rivulzio family {.hch. Join n. xxi, pp. 330). 307. Gold; the hoop and sides of the bezel engraved with foliated scroll designs, once enamelled. Oval bezel set with a sard, engraved in intaglio with the head of a maenad, of contemporary work. Plate V. German, i6th century. D. of hoop, -88 in. L. of bezel, -58 in. Weight, 138 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 308. Goij) ; the shoulders engraved with arabesques ; the bezel is oval with a pearled band round the outside, and set with a sard rudely engraved in intaglio with a laureate imperial head of contemporary work. ( )n the back of the hoop arc engraved the initials E B. Plate V. English 1?), i6th century. D. of hoop, 1-03 in. L. of bezel, -64 in. Weight, 107 grains. 309. Gr)i.D: the hoop wilh remains of brilliant enamel colours ; at the back it is chased with a garland, and the shoulders are deeply cut with projecting collars ; the bezel a circular cup with four claws, orn^imentcd on the back with trefoil E 2 52 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS sprigs enamelled green, and set with a sard engraved in intaglio with a classical mask. Plate \. i6t/t cciilitij. D. of hoop, '92 in. D. of bezel, -53 in. Weight, 130 grains. The gem is probably antique. 310. GOLK ; the hoop of thick twisted wires with smaller pearled thread between ; oval bezel set clear with an amethyst engraved in intaglio with a head of Jupiter Serapis. Plate V. 16/// century. D. of hoop, i-oi in. L. of bezel, -S in. Weight, 271 grains. The gem may be antique. 311. Gold ; high oval bezel with moulded edge, containing a beryl engraved in intaglio with a bearded head. The sides and back of the bezel, and the shoulders of the hoop, are enriched with black enamel in series of broken lines. Plate X. French, \6th century. D. -92 in. L. of bezel, -7 in. Weight, 160 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. The gem may be antique. 312. Gold ; on the hoop and bezel a delicate scroll design reserved in the metal on black enamel. Octagonal bezel set with a beryl engraved in contemporary intaglio with an imperial head. Plate \. J6t/t century. D. of hoop, -8 in. L. of bezel, -sin. Weight, 137 grains. (Coll. of Lady Fellows.) 313. Gold ; flat channelled hoop with bars on shoulders ; octagonal box bezel with imitation claws and enamelled border, set with an almandine garnet engraved in intaglio with an imperial head of contemporary work. Plate \'. Late xdth century. D. of hoop, '79 in. L. of bftel, •52 in. Weight. 75 grains. Found at Battlefield, near Shrewsbur)-. The head may represent Vespasian. 314- Gold ; in the circular bezel revolves in all directions a thick circular medallion, on the edges of which are hunting-scenes engraved and enamelled ; in one face is set an onyx engraved in intaglio with Apollo with his lyre, in the other a sard, with a male and female figure (Bacchus ^^^^ and Ariadne ?) standing. The rest of the ring is richly enamelled /'^^^^x^d with floral design in green, white, and blue on a black ground. See figure. South German, early \~th century. D. '96 in. Weight, 331 grains. The onyx intaglio is of the si.xteenth century : the sard may possibly be antique, of the third century. SIGNET-RINGS 53 315. Bkonzk ; slender hoop : oval bezel set with ;i dark hliie paste with a transverse white band, with an intagjicj female bust. Early i^th century. U. •t)6 in. The p:isle is antique. (d) Set with crystal ; engraved arms and devices colotcred beneath. 316. Goi.l) ; the shoulders ornamented with flowers and leaves once enamelled ; oval be/.el containing a chalcedony engraved with the achievement of Mary Queen of Scots. The shield is that of Scotland surrounded by the collar of the Thistle, with the badge, and supported b)' two unicorns chained and ducally gorged. The crest, on a helmet with mantlings and ensigned with a crown, is a lion sejant afifronte, crowned and holding in the dexter paw a naked sword ; in the sinister a sceptre, both bendwise. Legend: IN DEF EN S,and the letters M. R. Onthedexter side is a banner with the arms of Scotland ; on the sinister side, another, with three bars and over all a saltire. The metals and tinctures appear through the crystal on a field of blue. Within the hoop at the back of the bezel is en- graved a cipher in a circular band and surmounted by a crown (sec figure), once enamelled. The cipher is formed of the Greek letter and M, for the names Francis and Mary. See figure. French, 1 bt/i century. D. -92 in. Weight, 211 grains. 1S56. .\. Way in Catalogue of Antiquities, Works of Art, and Historical Scottish Relics exhibited in the Museum of the Archaeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland during their annual meeting held in Edinburgh, July. 1S56 (Edinburgh, 1S59), pp. 173 ff.; Sir H. Ellis in Arthaeologia, x.\xiii, p. 354. The hoop is much worn, so that the floral scrolls are partly effaced ; traces of green enamel remain in one flower. In the design at the back of the bezel, white enamel is visible in the band enclosing the cipher, translucent red on upper stroke of the M, and white in the upper stroke of the (J) ; the crown may have been enamelled in black. It has been conjectured that some legend may have been painted upon the white enamel of the band. If not a motto such as Nemo iiic !iiifi)tne laccssit, or Op/imam paricin elegit, this may have been the anagram, Sa 7'ertu m' attire, which is found round the same cipher engraved on Mary's silver hand-bell in the possession of the family of Bruce of Kennet [Catalogue of Antiquities, as above, pp. 169-73)- The employment of Greek letters in this cipher, and in a variant used by Mary in a letter to Elizabeth, June 15, 1565, is in accordance with precedent, Francis I having employed 0, Louis X 1 1 and Louis .\ 1 1 1 A ( Menestrier, ViritahleArt itu nidsaii, p. 22, Paris, 1673, and W. S. Walford, Ari'lmeologiiitl Journal, xv, p. 263). 54 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS Since after her marriage in 1558 Mar>' no longer bore the arms of Scotland alone, while after the death of Francis she would no longer have used the cipher with his name, it may be assumed that the ring was made, probably in France, at some time in the decade between 1548 and 155S. Its historj- is unknown during the period between Mary's death and the year 1792, when an impression is reproduced by Astle as 'from a seal of Mar>' Queen of Scots in the royal collection of the Queen's House'; it thus belonged at that time to Queen Charlotte. It subsequently passed into the possession of the Duke of York ; on the sale of his plate and jewels at Christie's in March, 1827, it was purchased by Mr. Kichard Greene. F.S.A., from whom U was acquired in 1856 by the British Museum. Rings of this type, showing armorial bearings with their proper metals and tinctures beneath crjstal. were evidently common in the second half of the sixteenth centurj' ; they may be seen, for example, in the portraits of Sir Nicholas Bacon and Cranmer in the National Portrait Gallerj'. Several are in the Waterton Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Large seals were executed in the same style : the Franks Bequest contains that of Alexander Seton, first Earl of Dunfermline. 317. Gold : oval bezel set with a flat crystal engraved with a shaped shield of arms : a plant with three flowers. Background of foil with gilding, and the letters : V M N. German, 16th century. D. of hoop, '76 in. L. of bezel, -43 in. Weight, 40 grains. Cf. no. 326. The same letters, with date 1572, occur on a similar ring m the X'ictoria and Albert Museum (no. 736-'/!). 318. Gold ; oval bezel set with a crystal engraved with a shield of arms : azure, a chevron between in chief two stars or, and in base a ram passant. The tinctures appear through the crystal. Plate V. French, \6th century. D. of hoop, 1-04 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Weight, 175 grains. (Spitzer Coll., no. 1935.) 319. Gold ; oval bezel set with a crj'stal engraved with arms of Fleetwood : per pale nebulce azure and or six martlets counterchangcd. The colours appear through the crystal as before ; the ground is crimson. At the back of the bezel is engraved a grasshopper, once enamelled. Plate \'. English, 16th ccntiirj. D. of hoop, 1-07 in. L. of bezel, -87 in. Weight, 256 grains. 320. Gold ; the hoop and sides of the bezel ornamented wiiii elaborate form'al scrolls in blue and black enamel. Oval bezel set with a crystal engraved with the arms of Bentinck : a cross moline, with helmet, crest two arms each holding an ostrich feather, and mantling. The tinctures appear through the crystal on a crimson field. Plate \. Dutch, \6th century. D. of hoop, im8 in. L. of bezel, 76 in. Weight, 514 grains. 321. Gold ; oval bezel with pearled edge, set with a crystal on which is engraved a shaped shield : or, a sprig of forget-me-nots. In the field, the initials P. M. nnd date 1577, the tinctures appearing through the crystal ; crimson field. \ftlh century. D. of hoop, -76 in. I., of bezel. '41 in. Weight, 44 grains. SIGNET-RINGS 55 322. Goi.l) ; the hoo[) and sides of the bezel chased with formal foliated designs. Oval bezel set with a crystal engraved with an angel between two stars, holding a shield on which is a panel of imbrications, with initials P B W. Through the crystal is seen a gold background. On the back of the bezel is an ornamental panel engraved with the initials P. B. Plate \ . \f)tli century. D. of hoop, 1-03 in. L. of bezel, 74 in. Weiglil, 167 grains. 323. Gold ; the hoop chased on the shoulders with formal foliate design. Circular bezel with pearled band round the .sides, set with acr\-stal engraved with a winged lion rampant, or, cm a red background. Plate \'. v(^th ccutiiry. D. of hoop, -96 in. D. of bezel, -62 in. \\eight, 155 grains. 324. Gold; the hoop and sides of the bezel chased with scrolls. Oval bezel set with a crystal engraved with a shaped shield of arms : gules, six quatrefoils argent, three, two and one ; the tinctures appearing through the crystal. Plate V. Gerviaii, 16th century. I), of hoop, -86 in. L. of bezel, -55 in. Weight, 112 grains. 325. Goi.l); the hoop engraved and once enamelled ; octagonal bezel engraved at the back with scroll-work and flames; it is set with a crystal on which is engraved an oval shield of arms: per fess, or and sable, a stag rampant, counterchanged, debruised by a fess, with helmet and mantling. Plate V. German, late 16 th century. D. of hoop, "94 in. L. of bezel, •& in. Weight, 128 grains. 326. Gold ; shoulders engraved with scrolls and terminating in boldly modelled volules; circular bezel with reeded back, the whole enamelled in brilliant colours. It is set with a flat crystal engraved with a shield : a plant with three flowers ; the tinctures showing through. Crimson field with the initials V M N and date 1562. German, i6t/t century. D. of hoop, -83 in. D. of bezel, -43 in. Weight, 75 grains. Cf. no. 317. 327. Gold ; slender hoop, plain at the back but parti}- engrax ed with spiral scrolls enamelled black ; the shoulders are chased as scrolls and enamelled in [lale blue, translucent green, and red. The oval bezel is enamelled at the back with lines in pale blue radiating from a green centre. ^ and has a pearled band round the sides. It is set with a crystal cut with a coat of arms coloured on the back : per ^flVit.*"-' ■'^■; fess a gryphon rampant, and in base three fleurs-de-lis ; ^^BBBk;^ above, a helmet and crest a phoenix, the latter separating the ^^Sf letters H. E. See figure. German, 16th century. D. I -06 in. Weight, 190 grains. Waddesdon Bequest, 1898. C. H. Read, T/w WaMesilim Bequest, Ottalogiie of the Works of Art, (Sic, 1902. no. 198. 56 CATALOGUE OK FINGER-RINGS u) Engraved with arms and devices. 328. Goi.D; broad flat hoop engraved on the shoulders with sprigs; square bezel working on a pivot, engraved with bell and key, and the vernicle. Plate VI. English, \^th century. U. of hoop, -S in. L. of bezel, -4 in. Weight, 323 grains. 329. Gold ; broad hoop similar to the last with a tau engraved on each shoulder ; rectangular bezel engraved with a house, and letter r ; pearled border. See figure. Englisli, i6l/t century. D. of hoop, -96 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. Weight, 210 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) The device may be a rebus (R. H\Mon'>),Arch.Joiirn.:'i\i\, p. 297. For the capital J (tau) as associated with St. Anthony sec under no. 721. Cf. also nos. 528, 530, 532. For other rebuses cf. nos. 469, 526, 540, and Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of Lom/on, 2nd series, ii, p. 363: vi, p. 51. 330. Bronze ; rectangular bezel engraved with a standing figure of St. Laurence holding the gridiron. To left, the letter I. See figure. j6th century. D. i-o8 in. 1753. (Sloane Coll. 88.) 331. SllAKk; flat hoop; rectangular bezel engraved with the letter C German, \bth century. U. of hoop, i'03 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. 332. Silver ; broad flat hoop ; on one shoulder a rose, on the other a heart transfixed with two arrows. Rectangular bezel engraved with initials i f between scrolls, all within a cable border. See figure. German, 1 7/A century. IJ. of hoop, 1-05 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. (Soden Smith Coll.; This ring might equally well be classed as a love-ring. 333. Brij.\/.L ; oval bezel engraved with the letters I B in monogram \(itU century. D. i-o8 in. 1S93. iDurden Coll.; SIG.NET-RINGS 57 334. Sll.VKR; plain flat hoop; octagonal bezel engraved with tiic letter il within a cable border. 16/// century. U. of hoop, -99 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Signets bearing a letter surinounteil by a crown were in common use in the tiftecnth, and in the first part of the sixteenth century. The great majority are of bronze and of small intrinsic value, and existing documents show that they were used by commoners (e. g. a crowned R is upon a seal affixed to a deed of A.D. 1431, representing Robert Byngham ; see Arch. Journ. iv, p. 360). Examples of these rings are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Norwich Castle Museum, &c. The great variety of letters so crowned shows that no religious significance attaches to these devices, and that crowned I does not signify Jesus, or the crowned M Mary. Cf. nos. 333-7, 357 fT., and Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, 2nd series, iii, p. 259 ; vi, p. 384 ; x, p. 296 ; XX, p. 289. 335. SlI.Vl.R ; once gill ; flat hoop engraved on the shoulders with the letters 7T and (? ; oblong bezel engraved with the letter P crowned ; pearled border. English, late i^th century. D. of hoop, I in. L. of bezel, -68 in. (.Soden Smith Coll.) 336. Bkonzk ; slender hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a crowned letter K. I ^t/t- 1 6t/i century. U. I in. 337. .Sii.\i;R; octagonal bezel engraved with P surmounted by a crown. Sec figure. '[6th century. D. "94 in. L. of bezel, -64 in. 1872. (Castellani CoU.j 338. Bron/k ; octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark and the letters I r O ; above is a larger letter C. Sec figure, \fiih century. U. •! in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Given by H. J. Ellis, Esq., 1904. For merchants' marks used by mediaeval traders see Guide to the Medicu-val Room, 1907, p. 199 ; Arch, Jourtial, v, p. 5 ; .\v, p. 289 ; Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, xii, pp. y-io ; fourn. Biit. Arch. Association, xlix, p. 45. Cf. nos. 341-2, 355-6, 403, 518, 559, 631 fT. Further examples of rings with these marks are in the Victoria and Albert Museum, in the Norwich Castle Museum, and in the collection of Sir Arthur Evans. 339. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved in intaglio with a shield of arms : an estoile, crest a demi-lion rampant. Sec figure. \6th century. D. l-o6 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. 1836. 340. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark. See figure. 1 6//; century. D. 1-04 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. 1836. 58 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 341. Bronze ; slender hoop: octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark; beneath, the letters -I S- See figure. 16 th cent my. D. -54 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 342. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark. 5^^ figure. \6i/i century. D. l-o8 in. 1893. (Durden Coll.) Found near Blandford, Dorset. 343. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved in intaglio with a monogram: legend: RASMVS HANSEN (^V Sf^ figure. Dutch. \f^tJi cciituiy. D. i-c6 in. The first name stands for Erasmus. 344. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : four cinquefoils, crest a snake's head, and mantling. Above, a legend ; ORa (?) * + LRU. See figure. Italian, \^th century. D. I in. 345. Silver; the shoulders and sides of the bezel chased ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : a bird, in the sinister chief a crescent ; above, the initials IT S. See figure. Italian, \6th century. D. -96 in. L. of bezel, -66 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1S65. 346. Bronze ; octagonal bezel rudely engraved in intaglio with a stag lodged. English, \6th century. D. -9 in. 1S56. (Roach Smith ColLj 347. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a lion rampant. i6tk century. D. -85 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 348. Gold ; octagonal bezel containing an oriental garnet engraved with a .^^hield of arms: a boar's head, in chief two crescents, and name GEORG TENNENT. Plate VI. German, early \']th century. D. of hoop, -91 in. L. of bezel, -57 in. 349 Gold ; hoop of quadrangular section ; octagonal bezel set with a sard engraved with a merchant's mark, below which is a lion passant, all within an oval shield. Plate VI. German, late \6th century. \). of hoop, -86 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. SIGNKT-KINGS 59 350. Gold ; similar hoop; octagonal bc/.tl set with an alniandinc garnet engraved with a shield of arms: (i) per pale a seated figure holding sceptre; (z) per fess (a) a stork, (d) a wing, with crest a pair of wings ; mantling, and initials S. P. V. R. Gcrvian, late idtli century. I), of hoop, "9 in. I., of bezel, -43 in. (Soden .Smilli Loll.) 351. Gold; the hoop channelled at the shoulders, where it is engraved with two letters (I and L ?), one still filled with niello. Octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : bendy, a chief; sprigs in the field : pearled border. Plate X. Italian, \-^tli century. D. -96 in. L. of bezel. -5 in. Weight, 1S6 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. G OLD ; plain hoop with faceted shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms: per pale, barry of six, a lion rampant. On either side of the shield, the letters I A. Plate X. Italian, \$th century. D. -88 in. D. of bezel, -48 in. Weight, 165 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 353. Gold: flat hoop inscribed SPERO IN DEO; on the shoulders arc engraved St. George and St. Barbara (?) ; octagonal bezel, engraved with a shield : a left arm holding a .sprig : above, the initial V ; all enclosed in a pearled bolder. Plate VI. Gcrvian, early ibt/i century. D. of hoop, -91 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Weight, 200 grains. 354. Silver : shoulders engraved with scrolls and zigzag border : octagonal bezel set with a carnelian engraved with a shield bearing a tree ; mantling, and crest three knobbed spikes, radiating, with the letters u . . Lale 16 t/i century. D. 1-04 in. 355. Gold ; wreathed hoop with alternating plain and beaded bands ; the shoulders are scrolled at the sides, and engraved with the legend : lOijaflS frC0Cf ; the bezel is engraved with a merchant's mark. Plate VI. English, early 16 t/i century. D. of hoop, !•! in. L of bezel, -52 in. Found in the Thames at Southwark Bridge. For merchajits' marks see under no. 338. 356. Gold ; the hoop engraved with legend : ^Clirj fttltllc, and an open crown on each shoulder, all once enamelled ; circular bezel engraved with a merchant's mark ; toothed border. Plate VI, and see figure. English, \^lh century. D. of hoop, ro8 in. D. of bezel, '56 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 6o CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 357- 358. 359. Bronzic: channelled shoulders : octagonal bezel engraved with K surmounted by a crown. See figure. \^th-\(ith century. D. -94 in. Castellani Coll. 1873. Sec- under no. 334. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with 7^ surmounted by a crown. English, \^th-\f)th cenlnry. U. 1 in. octagonal bezel 360. 361. 362. 363- 364- 365- 366 367- Bronze gilt ; slender hoop with facetted shoulder.^; engraved with the letter (? crowned. Legend : (rlHnRC. French, ijth-\6th century. U. of hoop, -95 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. Bronze : oblong bezel engraved with a letter I crowned. English, 15///-16/'// century. D. 1-03 in. SlL\ ER ; once gilt ; wreathed hoop ; octagonal bezel on which is engraved the letter I crowned ; pearled border. A star upon one shoulder to mark the top of the seal. Sec figure. English, ijth-i6th century. IJ. of hoop, i'03 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. Br.\SS ; oval bezel engraved with an 1 crowned. English, \^th-j6th century. D. of hoop, 1-02 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Bronze ; faceted hoop and octagonal bezel, engraved in intaglio w I crowned. English, \^th-i()tk century. D. I in. A fragment is broken out of the hoop at one side. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with an 1 crowned. English, i^th ifith century. D. of hoop, 1-04 in. Another; the same letter. \). i-l in. 1865. Another. U. -94 in. 1S72. Another ; crowned ffl. \>. 1 in. 1836. ith an Sir.NET-RINGS 6l 368. Anotiikk; the same letter. D. i-i in. 1S65. 369. Anotiikk. n. ro4 in. 1836. 370. BRnNZK : letter II crowned. D. -98 in. 371. Bronzf: ; letter R crowned, n. i-i in. 372. Another ; the same letter. n. i'o8 in. 1893. (Durden Colli Fonnd at Woodyatcs, 1854. 373. Another ; the .same. D. '94 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1S65. 374. Another ; the same. D. I-I in. 1856. (Koach Smith Coll.) 375. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with the letter R, and cress, English, \'^th-\(itli century. D. of hoop, P04 in. L. of bezel, -62 in. 376. Bronze ; plain hoop : octagonal bezel engraved \\ith R crowned between two sprays. i^i/i-itth century. D. of hoop, f03 in. 377. Bronze ; oblong bezel engraved with R crowned. English, \^th—i6th century. D. of hoop, '99 in. 378. Silver ; the shoulders engraved with floral ornament : octagonal bezel engraved with S. English, i^th-i6th century. D. of hoop, I-I2 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 379. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with a T crowned. English, i^th-i6th century. D. of hoop, -98 in. Found in Nelson Street, Bristol, in making the deep sewerage, 1862. 380. Bronze ; once gilt ; oblong bezel engraved with a T crowned. English, T,^ih-\6th century. I), of hoop, "99 in. 381. Bronze ; bezel engraved with the letters RSW crowned. D. rc6 in. 1865. 382 Bronze ; oval bezel rudely engraved with a V crowned. I). fo6 in. 1836. 62 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 383. Bronze ; rectangular bezel engraved with a W crowned. English, i^th-xdth century. D. I in. 384. Bronze : W crowned. Sec figure. D. i-i in. 1853. 385. Another -, the same letter. D. IM in. 1836. 386-9. Four others ; the same. D. I in. 1836. One hoop broken at the back. 390. Another ; similar. D. I-04 in. 1S65. 391. Bronze ; narrow oval bezel engraved with a letter f, without crown. D. 1 in. 392. Bro.VZE ; oval bezel engraved with au I entwined in loops. U. 1 in. 393. Silver; faceted hoop engraved on shoulders ; octagonal bezel >>. i-l in. L. of bezel, -67 in. (Zschille Collection, no. 81.; SICNKT-RINGS 63 396. Hkonzk ; faceted hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with figures of St. Catharine and anotlier female saint. English, I,"]//; century. I), of hoop, -84 in. 397. Sll.VKR ; faceted hoop ; octagonal bezel with pearled edge, engraved with .1 shield : a sprig of wild ro.se. Above, half-obliterated initials. 1 ^tli century. IJ. of hoop, i-i in. I., of bezel, •66 in. 398. Silver ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : a mailed arm with sabre ; above, K B (?) ; cable border. See figure. French, early 16 th cent my. n. of hoop, ri in. Found ;it Calais. 399. Bronze (HLT ; plain hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a balance ; Hebrew legend much worn. German, ijth century. I), of hoop, -94 in. L. of ]iezel, -54 in. 400. Bronze ; faceted hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark. Legend within a cable border: * REINHOLT POPPE. ."if^ 'figure. German, early I'jth century. U. '94 in. 401. Gold ; on the back of the hoop the legend : MKRIK, almost obliterated ; shoulders engraved with floral scrolls, enamelled. Octagonal bezel with pearled band round the sides engraved with shield of arms : a hare salient transfixed with an arrow ; above, a black-letter I, and a coiichant animal ; cable border. Plate Yl. German, 16th century. D. of hoop, "94 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 332 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 402. Silver; faceted hoop; octagonal bezel engraved in intaglio with a shield : an ox's head ; pearled border. French, early j6fh century. D. I in. 403. Silver ; the hoop diagonally wreathed at the back ; octagonal /^^^^^ bezel engraved with a merchant's mark ; cable border. ' "' "" .See figure. English, early 16th century. U. of hoop, '99 in. L. of bezel, -63 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) The design of the merchant's mark may possibly be a rebus on'the name Bowes. For such marks st-e under no. 338. 64 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 404. Gold : ornamented with engraved scroll-work with remains of enamel ; cctagonal bezel inlaid \vith silver in which is engraved a shaped shield of arms : dexter arm holding a mace : above, the initials S. G. German, i6th century. D. of hoop, 1-05 in. L. of bezel, -73 in. Weight, 274 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 405. Bronze ; plain hoop of triangular section ; octagonal bezel deeply engraved with the vernicle. English, i^th century. D. of hoop, -88 in. L. of bezel, -5 1 in. 406. Silver ; once gilt ; octagonal bezel engraved with a horse, on which is the letter S, with branches in the field ; cable border. English, early 1 6th century. D. of hoop, l-o6 in. Found at Windsor, 1855. For a non-heraldic device of this kind, with a bird and initial among sprigs, cf signet of Sir Rice ap Thomas, a partisan of Henrj- VII [Archaeologia, xxxi, p. 474). 407. Silver ; octagonal bezel engraved with shield on which is a device of a nail and pair of pincers, with a stud between (emblems of the Passion). Border of crosses. ^ee figure. French, \6th century. D. of hoop, -98 in. L. of bezel, -58 in. 408. Bronze ; plain hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a facade with two towers : pearled border. \()th century. D. of hoop, I- 12 in. Found in Norfolk. 409. SlL\'Ek ; faceted hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with the letter I within a horseshoe, above which is a cross, all within cable border. A cross on one shoulder to indicate the top of the seal. German, late 1 6th century. D. of hoop, i-i in. L. of bezel, -63 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 410. Silver; plain hoop; shoulders engraved; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : three cinquefoils, and in base a gauntlet ; above, a crescent moon and a star. German, i6th century. D. of hoop, i-o6 in. L. of bezel, -79 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 411. Silver ; octagonal bezel engraved with arms : a kettle surmounted by a star ; crest a pair of wings with a star between. Initials: B K. Sec figiuo. German, late i6th century. D. of hoop, -88 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. SIGNET-RINGS 412. iRONGil/r; plain flat hoop; octagonal bezel engraved with a stag's head cabossed ; below, a legend. English, 16 Ik cent my. n. of hoop, P08 in. 413. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with a standing figure of Virgin and Child. i'reucli, \^tk century. I), of hoop, '9 1 in. L. of bezel, '62 in. 414. Gold; circular bezel engraved with a lion's head erased, surrounded by an indeterminate legend, all within a Catharine wheel. English. if\th century. D. of hoop, -96 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Weight, 187 grains. 415. Bronze ; the hoop rudely engraved on the shoulders ; flat octagonal bezel engraved with St. George and the Dragon, with initials : G R, all within a pearled border. German, early I'jth century. D. of hoop, i-o6 in. L. of bezel, -j\ in. 416. Silver GILT; plain hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a female bust and the legend : aticil ffilUtlCr. On one shoulder a star to mark the top of the seal. French, \6tli century. D. of hoop, -98 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. (Charvet Collection: Sale Catalogue, 1883, no. 1277.) 417. Silver ; plain hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : a mailed arm holding a sabre; above, a crescent and a star; cable border. German, i6th century. D. of hoop, 1M4 in. L. of bezel, -85 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 418. Silver ; the hoop wreathed, with channelled shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a stag. Legend : It^CIinCtlS »)OUCl) ; cable border. Plate VI. English, i^th century. D. of hoop, i'i2 in. L. of bezel, -57 in. Found in the Thames. 419. Bronze ; plain hoop with fluted shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with device of a hammer between two stars, surmounted by a branch of palm. Legend : (Pllillc IliaCOn. French, i^th century. D. of hoop, -98 in. L. of bezel, •54 in. 420. Silver gilt ; fluted at the shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : three cinquefoils wreathed. See figure. French, early 16th century. D. of hoop, ri4 in. L. of bezel, -63 in. Given to Sir A. \V. Franks by Mr. Edmund VVaterton. 66 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 421. 422. 423- 424. 425- 427. Bronze : the shoulders channelled ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield : a greyhound's head couped and collared: below, the legend : (]?UirtC (?) tit bcrP. A star on one shoulder to indicate the top of the shield. Sec figure. Fre7tch, i^th century. D. i-i6 in. L. of bezel, -65 in. 1847. Bronze ; the hoop, formerly wreathed at the back, forms an angle at the shoulders, which are fluted : circular bezel engraved with a dog (?) with collar and chain running to ;'. English, ijt/i cetitury. D. i-i in. 1836. Silver; the hoop diagonally ribbed at the back; angular shoulders channelled ; octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark within a pearled border. On one shoulder a cross to mark the top of the seal. See figure. English, \^th century. D. -96 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. # 426. Bronze ; channelled shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield : a lion rampant, with helmet surmounted by two horns. 15/// cent my. D. -98 in. Roach Smith Coll. 1856. Bronze : the hoop represents a twist : the oblong bezel is engraved with a letter R. 15//^ century. D. 1-26 in. 1836. The hoop is bent out of its proper shape. Another: similar; the bezel is engraved with a letter R surmounted by lljC, the whole within a pearled border. i^th century. D. 1-3 in. 1S36. The hoop is bent out of shape. Silver ; the hoop represents a twist with a letter o crowned. See figure, i^th century. D. \-2 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. The hoop is broken at the back. oval bezel engraved SIGNET-RINGS 67 428. Bronze ; the hoop represents a twist of two thin branches ; oval bezel engraved with a minuscule letter III (?). English, i^it/i ecu tiny. D. i-i in. 1S36. 429. Silver; octagonal bezel engraved with the letters ioil crowned. The hoop is diagonally channelled, and engraved on one shoulder : I'l'tl with a leaf, on the other: lud. English, ijlh century. D. i*o8 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 430. Lead ; the hoop wreathed ; circular bezel engraved with the letter R. English, i^tk century. D. I-I2 in. Given by Sir A. W. Franks, K.C.B., 1S96. The ring is distorted. 431. Bronze ; the hoop wreathed and channelled on the shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark within a pearled border. See figure. EnglisJi, \^tli century. D. i'3 in. 1S36. The ring is distorted. 432. Bronze ; the hoop diagonally channelled at the back ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield bearing a merchant's mark between the letters t and n ; cable border. Sec figure. Ettglish, i^ih century. D. i-l6 in. 1893. (Durden Coll.) *l 433. SIL^•ER ; the hoop wreathed at the back, with deep channels on the shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a tree or large plant between smaller flowers. English, i^th century. D. 1-04 in. Roach Smith Coll. 1856. 434. Bronze ; the hoop representing a twist ; octagonal bezel engraved with a tree between the letters Ii W, within a cable ^ border. Sec figure. (ul^liS D. I -06 in. 1865. 435. Bronze ; the hoop diagonally channelled ; octagonal bezel unengraved. i^th century. D. i-i6 in. 1836. Made for a signet, but never completed. F 3 68 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 436. Silver ; the hoop engraved on the shoulders with floral designs ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield with a fleur-de- lis. Legend : tlI0|i. Sec figure. French, early \6ih century. D. of hoop. '94 in. L. of bezel, "48 in. 437. Silver gilt ; channelled hoop ; hexagonal bezel, engraved with a shield of arms : a saltire between four bezants. Legend : 'JT^IQ -VR5IRI3T. French, early 16th century. D. of hoop, •86 in. L. of bezel, -46 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 438. Bronze ; wreathed hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a legend : Jcrguno(?). German, i6th century. D. -94 in. 439. Brass ; hoop with channelled shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a trefoil, on the petals of which is engraved the legend : Ccft tllOIl lirc (It is viy destiny). Cable border. ^(Y figure. French, early 16th century. D. of hoop, -88 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Found in pulling down old London Bridge. Arch.Journ.'Wj-p. 109. 440. Bronze ; plain hoop; oval bezel engraved with the initials C P crowned. English, early 16th century. D. of hoop, I in. See under no. 334. 441. Silver ; the hoop wreathed ; octagonal bezel engraved with a monogram between two branches ; cable border. A star is engraved on one shoulder to indicate the top of the seal. French, early 16th century. D. -92 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. 44.?. Silver ; wreathed hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with the letter R crowned. Legend : bcDal. A star is engraved on one shoulder to mark the top of the seal. See figure. French, early 16th century. D. of hoop, 1-02 in. L. of bezel, '53 in. See under no. 334. 443. Silver ; plain hoop with engraved shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with a letter H, in a pearled border. French, about ijco. D. of hoop, 1-02 ia L. of bezel, -56 in. Found at Calais. SIGNET-RINGS 69 444. Silver; hoop diagonally wreathed ; octagonal bezel engraved with a saltirc, and initials : 111 h- French, early \$th century. D. of hoop, I-02 in. L. of bezel, -55 in. 445. Silver ; octagonal bezel with letters 111 13 crowned between three branches; cable border. On one shoulder is engraved a star to mark the top of the impression. Inside the hoop a magical (?) inscription : + ^ffUlll + OIjOlM + Offd. See figure. German, i6th century. D. of hoop, ri2. L. of bezel, 7 in. The legend is magical, and similar in character to those of nos. S63 ft". 446. Silver; flat hoop engraved with the legend: FR6MD6RII; circular bezel engraved with a fleur-de-lis; cable border. German, i6lh century. D. of hoop, '92 in. D. of bezel, •62 in. 447. Silver ; once gilt ; plain hoop ; circular bezel engraved with the letter W crowned. English, 'i~,th~i6th century. D. of hoop, -97 in. L. of bezel, -49 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 448. Bronze ; once gilt ; circular bezel engraved with letter K between two branches. See figure. English, \^th-i6th century. D. of hoop, -96 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found at Merton, Surrey. 449. Bronze ; circular bezel engraved with the letter jfl. English, i^th-\6th century. D. of hoop, I -02 in. 450. Bronze ; narrow hoop ; large circular bezel engraved with the letter II between a dagger and a palm-branch. English, i^th-i6ih century. D. -86 in. D. of bezel, -54 in. 1836. 451. Bronze ; of similar form ; bezel rudely engraved with the letter T crowned. English, \^th—'i6th century. D. -92. D. of bezel, -5 in. 1865. -O CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 452. Bronze ; similar form ; letter W between two branches and surmounted by a trefoil. Englisli, \^th-\ttlt century. D. l-o6 in. D. of bezel. -6 in. Durden Coll. 1S93. From Tarrant Gunville, Dorset. 453. Bronze ; slender hoop and circular bezel rudely engraved in intaglio with a lion rampant. \^th century. D. -86 in. 1S65. A fragment broken from the bezel. 454. Another ; of similar form, but stouter ; a scorpion. \^th century. D. -96 in. 1865. 455. Bronze ; of similar form ; engraved in intaglio with a male bust to r. English, i6th ce?itury. D. I in. Sloane Coll. 121, 1753. 456. Another ; similar form ; bust of an ecclesiastic (?) to r., wearing a small cap. i~th century. D. i-i6 in. D. of bezel, '5 in. 457. Bronze ; the hoop engraved ; circular bezel engraved with a homed quadruped, with a serpent (?) issuing from its mouth. i^tk century. D. I in. D. of bezel, '6 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 458. Bronze ; circular bezel engraved in intaglio with a lion passant ; above, an eight-pointed star. 15/// century. D. '9 in. D. of bezel, -42 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 459. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a large horseshoe and nail(?), by the side of which stands a rudely cut figure holding a staff. English, \^th century. D. -98 in. 460. Gold : once enamelled ; massive hoop, the surface divided into seven panels — four with imbrications, two with the letter I on a dotted ground, and one with a rose. In the interior is engraved a heart in a circular panel. Shield-shaped bezel, engraved with arms : a unicorn's head erased, ducally gorged, with initiak R 0. all in a pearled border. Plate \\\. English, \6th century. D. of hoop, 1-22 in. L. of bezel, -62 in. Weight, 664 grains. (Rohde Hawkins Coll.) SIGNET-RINGS 71 461. Silver ; wicatlicd hoop with granular bands having channels between ; transverse shield-shaped bezel engraved with initials H A ; cable border. Plate VII. English, 16th century. D. of hoop, ro6 in. L. of bezel, -63 in. (Hailstone Coll.) 462. GOLn ; wreathed hoop with cabled bands ; the bezel a shaped shield engraved with a swan, and the initials : W. B., all within a pearled border. Plate VII. English, iSth century. D. I •12 in. Weight, 473 grains. 463. Gold; the hoop chased with scrolls once enamelled; shield-shaped bezel engraved with the eagle of St. John, with initials I W. Cable border. Plate VII. English, 16th century. D. of hoop, ro5 in. L. of bezel, -81 in. Weight, 370 grains. 464. Gold : the hoop engraved on the shoulders with masks and scrolls ; lozenge- shaped bezel engraved with an ostrich seated on a ducal coronet, and holding a horseshoe. Beneath, H C in monogram. Plate V\\. E?iglish, \6tli century. D. of hoop, i-i in. L. of bezel, -87 in. Weight, 436 grains. From the waterworks, Tiverton, Devon. 465. Silver ; the hoop shaped on the outer side as a series of oval bosses ; lozenge-shaped bezel engraved with the letter 1 and scrolls. See figure. German, i6th century. D. of hoop, i-og in. L. of bezel, -93 in. 466. Silver ; the hoop of triangular section, slender at the back and expanding to a massive lozenge-shaped bezel engraved with the initials E. B. joined by a knot, and having round it a pearled band. See figure. \tth century. D. I-I4 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 467. Silver ; cable hoop with plain shoulders ; octagonal bezel engraved with the initials I W, in shields. English, 16th century. D. i-oS in. 72 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 468. Gold ; wreathed hoop ; each shoulder chased with a crown ; octagonal bezel engraved with S m in monogram ; cable border. Plate VI. English, early \6i/i century. D. of hoop, I in. L. of bezel, -55 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) Found in England. Cf. no. 54S and a ring in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 778-71). 469. Gold ; wreathed hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with two eagles confronted pecking at a trefoil ; legend : pcki)ain. Cable border. Plate \'I. English, early 16th century. D. of hoop, "99 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) Archaeological Journal, xxxiii. 194. The device fonns a rebus. Cf. nos. 329, 526. 540. 470. Silver ; the hoop wreathed diagonally at back ; engraved shoulders. Octagonal bezel engraved with the letters a t crowned. Cable border. English, early \6th century. D. of hoop, I-I5 in. L. of bezel, •56 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 471. White metal : the hoop ornamented with wreathed ribs and pearling. Circular bezel engraved with the letter I between two quatrefoils. Early i6th centuiy. D. of hoop, '93 in. D. of bezel, "iS in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in pulling down old London Bridge. Broken at the back. 472. Bronze gilt : cable hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield, bearing the letter b between three mullets : the shank of the letter is prolonged into a cross above the shield. Cable border. English, I ^th century. D. of hoop, 1-04 in. L. of bezel, -59 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in the Thames. 473. Bronze gilt ; the hoop diagonally wreathed, with inscription : CIX bOIlC flll repeated. Octagonal bezel engraved with the figure of St. Thomas a Becket, with letters rto. Cable border. English, i^th century. D. of hoop, 1-15 in. L. of bezel, 79 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) For the legend, which may indicate a New Year's gift, cf. nos. 527, 940, 941, and Gentleman'' s Magazine, Jxvi, p. 457. 474. Silver ; wreathed hoop : octagonal bezel engraved with a device composed of two i's crossing each other within a cable border. See figure. 16 th century. D. i-i6 in. L. of bezel, -54 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) SIGNET-RINGS 73 475. Bronze gilt; the lioop has on the outer side an inscription on a nielloed ground ; edges cross-hatched. Octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : on a bend between two birds, three cinquefoils ; legend: lilCCO liCftl. At each end of the bezel is engraved a half-sun. I- re lull, xdtli century. I). I in. L. of bezel, -56 in. 476. Bronze gilt ; the .shoulders engraved with floral designs : octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms: three chevrons, in chief two annulets. Legend : cljiirlesf \t ////// lUijUt (?). See figure. French, 16 th century. \^j<:^^^ % Essex, 1848. *" The device may be a merchant's mark. SIGNET-RINGS 77 505. Silver; once j^ilt ; plain massive hoop ; oval bezel with border of sunk ovals round the sides, and engraved with a crescent moon containing a face. German, \6tk century. D. of hoop, r26 in. L. of bezel, -95 in. Archaeological Journal, vii, p. 89 (1S50). 506. Silver gilt ; the shoulders and edge of the raised bezel engraved ; at the back of the hoop a rose, chased with legend in two lines. Levantine, or Adriatic, 16th century. D. '94 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. 507. Silver gilt ; oval bezel engraved with legend : rbu^y iW uhv {Ask after the peace of Jerusalem). German, 16th century. D. of hoop, "79 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 508. Silver gilt ; circular bezel engraved with the letter I crowned, between leaves. English, i^th-\6ik century. D. of hoop, -98 in. D. of bezel, -57 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 509. Bronze ; once gilt ; circular bezel engraved with an ox's head ; legend : lUilDcr ntc Comcnt. Cable border. English, \6th century. D. of hoop, I- 14 in. D. of bezel, .75 in. 510. Silver ; oval bezel engraved with the letter I crowned between a crescent and a star. Cable border. See figure. English, i^-,th-i6th century. D. of hoop, -92 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in London, 1846. 511. Bronze ; plain hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a monogram, the chief letter being a minuscule 111. English, i^th century. D. i'02 in. 1S36. 512. Bronze ; similar form ; bezel engraved with a letter B preceded by a smaller S. Englisli, i^th century. D. I'oS in. Found at Beeston Castle, Cheshire. 78 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RIXGS 513. Bronze : the type similar ; bezel engraved with the letters ill k, and the legend : hoiiamiro (?). 15/// century. D. I-l- in. Given by Major-General Meyrick, 1S78. 514. Bronze ; thin hoop ; the shoulders engraved and pounced ; oval bezel engraved with p^0 within a pearled border. 15/// century. D. i'02 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. The first letter may be a g, in which case the whole would represent the sacred monogram. 515. Bronze ; the same ornament on the shoulders. Oval bezel engraved with a bearded head wearing a hat ; pearled border. German, i6tk century. D. -98 in. 1S65. The hoop is broken on one side. 516. Silver : the shoulders nielloed ; o%-al bezel engraved with '^='fj .- ,^ a shield of arms : a cock. Above, a dot ; dotted border. See figure. 16th century. D. ro4 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 517. Bronze ; round the bezel a chased wreath ; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : chequy, on a chief, two mailed arms embowed holding swords. Round the shield conventional floral scrolls, and above it ra}s, all within a pearled border. See figure. Italian, 16th century. D. I-I2 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 518. Bronze, with remains of gilding, the shoulders engraved with a quatrefoil diaper ; octagonal bezel with a shield bearing a merchant's mark ; in the interior the legend : ^aSpcr !39clccr Silltasar. See figure. English, ijt/i century. D. 1-2 in. For the names of the Three Kings as a charm see under no. 8S5. lasperniflcrrhaUarar SIGNET-RINGS 79 519. Bronze ; oval bezel cnj^raved with a shield of arms: a nun rampant on a rock ; round the shield, engraved scrolls, and tli letters M° and P°. Sec figure. Italian, i6t/i century. D. I -04 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. For this type of shield (a testa di cavallo) cf. no. 521 and a ring in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 799-'; ')• 520. Brass; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms: a fcss '^^ between three stars. ^'^ ^■a- figure. Italian, i^t/i ccutiny. \ '-.^ D. 1-15 in. 1865. 521. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : vair, on a chief two lions rampant counter-combatant, supporting a fleur-de-lis, the top of which projects above the shield. Sir figure. Italian, 15/// century. D. i-oi in. 1853. 522. Silver; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms: bendy, a fess, and in chief a rose. Sec figure. Italian, late i^th century. D. -98 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 523. Bronze; oval bezel engraved with a female bust, and legend : U licaupi'C 15/// century. D. 1-04 in. 1753. (Sloane Coll. 91.) 524. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a bird with extended wings ; dotted border. Etiglisli, i^t/i century. D. 1-12 in. 1836. 525. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a monogram composed of a cross pattee between the letters S K. See figure. \6th century. D. i'04 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1S65. The letters are not reversed, but the ring appears to have been cut for impressions. ?^ 8o CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 526. Bronze gilt -. oval bezel engraved with a dog or hind (?) above a barrel or tun : cable border. Sec figure. English, i^tk century. D. 1-07 in. The device is probably a rebus. Cf. nos. 329, 469, 540. 527. Bronze gilt : on each shoulder is engraved a tau. Oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms: six fleurs-de-lis, three, two, and one; legend: maiDfl jbcr. Cable border. In the interior is legend : en bocn an. English, early 16th century. D. of hoop, I*l6 in. L. of bezel, -7 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) For the tau see under no. 721. 528. Bronze ; hoop engraved on each shoulder with a tau ; oval bezel engraved with a chalice standing upon a flat rectangular object. English, 1 ^th century. D. i-i in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) See note to previous number. 529. Bronze ; oblong bezel engraved with the letters I LB. English, \^th century. D. fi in. Found in the Thames, Southwark. 530. Silver; engraved on each shoulder with a tau. Circular bezel engraved with a Lombardic c crowned. English, \^ih century. D. of hoop, I-I2 in. D. of bezel, '64 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) Found near Worcester on thumb of skeleton. For the tau see under no. 721. 531. Bronze ; once gilt ; oval bezel engra%-ed with a merchant's mark, and legend : il)C na. Cable border. English, \^th-\f)th century. D. of hoop, i"04 in. L. of bezel, '64 in. Found at Caxton Prior)', Cambridge. The legend represents lesiis Nasarenus. Cf. no. 8S1. 532. Bronze gilt ; the hoop engraved on each shoulder with a tau. Oval bezel engraved with a bust, full-face. Cable border. English, \6th century. D. of hoop, -92 in. L. of bezel, -51 in. (Hailstone Coll.) 533. Bronze gilt ; wreathed hoop, pearled and ribbed ; oval bezel engraved with the letter R crowned. Cable border. English, \^th-\6th century. D. of hoop, roS in. L. of bezel, •56 in. SIGNET-RINGS 8t 534. Silver ; the hoop channelled on the shouhleis, uTcathcd ;it the back. Circular bezel engraved with the letter I crowned, between leaves. Cable border. Eiiglis/i, 1 6th century. 1). of Iioop, 1-09 in. D. of bezel, -59 in. 535. Sir.vER ; the hoop fluted on the shoulders; circular bezel engraved with a letter p between moon and a star. English, \^tli century. D. '9 in. The ring is broken ; the back of the hoop is detached and doubled up. 536. Gold ; massive channelled hoop ; circular bezel engraved with a lion passant regardant, legend ; nolD : J?0* tl)UG. Plate VII, and sec figure. English., late i^t/t century. D. of hoop, im8 in. D. of bezel, -65 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) The ring was found on the field of Towton, and has been called the Percy signet. 537. Bronze ; once gilt; the hoop wreathed at the back and channelled on the shoulders ; oval bezel engraved with the pelican in her pict)-. English, \6th century. D. of hoop, 1-09 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. For the same subject cf nos. 542, 614, 635, 644, and a ring in the X'ictoria and Albert Museum (no. 792-'7i). Cf. also Arch. Journal, xiii, p. 90 ; Proc. Soc. Aitliqiiarics of London, V, p. 66 ; ■sX, p. 159. 538. Bronze; hoop wreathed at back, with channelled shoulders. Oval bezel engraved with the letter R between sprigs. English, early 16th century. D. of hoop, \-2 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 539. BRONZE; plain hoop; ciicular bezel engraved with the letter R crowned. Cable border. English, early 16th century. U. of hoop, 1"I9 in. 82 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 540. Bronze: once gilt; wreathed hoop with plain and pearled ribs. Oval bezel engraved with a pike and the letter 1 . Cable border. Englisli, idth century. U. of hoop, i'3 in. Found in London. The device may be a rebus : John Pike. 541. Bronze gilt ; hoop with ridged edges ; oval bezel engraved with a monogram ; cable border. English, early \6th century. D. of hoop, i-o- in. Found at Pensford, Somerset, 1864. 542. Bronze ; the hoop with ridged edges ; oval bezel rudely engraved with the pelican in her piety : pearled border. idtli century. D. i'i4 in. 1S36. For the pelican cf. nos. 537, 614, 635, 644. 543. Bronze ; circular bezel engraved with a bird (swan ?) ; much worn. EngUslt, 1 ^th century. D. im6 in. 1S36. 544. Bronze ; with remains of gilding ; the hoop with ridged edges, and engraved on each shoulder with a rose, trefoils, &c. Oval bezel engraved with a dog sejant, and growing plants. English, \^tk century. D. i-i in. 1S36. 545. Silver ; massive hoop with ridged edges. On each shoulder is a figure engraved and filled with niello ; on one side the Virgin and Child, on the other a bishop with mitre and crosier (St. Thomas a Becket ?). Circular bezel engraved with a ship with ermine sails, and initials T. S.. the whole within a cable border. Sec figure. Late \^th century. D. 1-185 in. D. of bezel, -66 in. Bernal Coll. 1S55. Cf. a gold ring in the \'ictoria and Albert Museum (^no. 695-71), with the Mrgin and Child, and St. Christopher. SIGNET-KINGS 83 546. BronzK; circular bezel engraved with a bird with extended wings, standing on a hill between two trees. The hoop has a high ridge round each edge. \tth ccntuiy. I). 1-28 in. L. of bezel, 7 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 547. lUiONZE GILT ; circular bezel, uncngravcd ; the hoop has on the outer side a median ridge, which at the back is grooved. EiigUsIi, I'yt/i ecu /my. I). i-i6 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 548. BronZI: ; with traces of gilding; wreathed hoop; ^n circular bezel engraved with two minuscule letters, one t--^. across the other. ^^f/'^'^'^^^^r^vi Sec figure. Eiiglisli, i '^th century. ^syk^lT^ i |v^ D. i'24 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. Cf. no. 468. 549. Bronze ; with traces of gilding ; the hoop diagonally wreathed ; circular bezel engraved with a bird standing between growing plants, and holding a four-leaved flower in its beak. English, 1 5/// century. \"). -8 in. Uurden Coll. 1893. Found ;it Tarrant Gimville, 1 847. Broken at the back. C{. ring found at Norwich. Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, xvii, p. 355. 550. Bronzk ; wreathed hoop ; circular bezel engraved with a bird and a branch ; pearled border. English, 1.5//^ century. D. 1-2 in. (iivcn by Robert Young, Esq., 183S. Found at Southampton. 551. Lead ; the ho(jp, of which only part remains, is ridged ; circular bezel engraved with a hunting-horn suspended (?). English, \')th century. D. -94 in. Roach Smith Coll. 1856. Part of the hoop lost at the back. The design on the bezel is very indistinct. 552. Bronze gilt ; on each shoulder is engraved a tau ; circular bezel engraved with an object resembling a tripod, above which are two hunting-horns. Plate X. English, \6th century. D. I -08 in. 1870. G 2 84 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 553. Silver ; the hoop with flanged edges ; on each shoulder is engraved a tau. Cir- cular bezel engraved with a crescent within a wreath, and enclosing two circles (?). Plate \\\. English, early \6th century. U. 1-25 in. 554. Gold ; similar hoop with a tau on each shoulder, once enamelled. Circular bezel engraved with a unicorn and tree, and the letter r. In the inside of the hoop is the legend : tOUr Hid bic, enamelled. Plate \'II. English, early i6th century. D. of hoop, -92 in. D. of bezel, -ji in. Found at Beverley. 555. Gold; similar hoop: on each shoulder is engraved a tau. once enamelled. Circular bezel engraved with letter R surrounded by a border of tracery. Cable border. Plate \'II. English, early i6fh century. D. of hoop, I-02 in. D. of bezel, -57 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) Proc. Sot. An/., and ser., vi. 51. Said to be from .Abergavenny. 556. Gold ; similar hoop engraved on each shoulder with a tau, and seven rows of tears enamelled in black. Circular bezel engraved with figure : a bowman with hound. Cable border. Plate VII. English, early \6th century. D. of hoop. '94 in. D. of bezel, -54 in. Found at Windsor. 557. Gold ; similar hoop; circular bezel engraved with a wild man holding a sword in right hand and a scarf Cable border. Plate \'II. and see figure. English, early 16th century. U. of hoop, -72 in. D. of bezel, -46 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in Thames, 1857. 558. BkONZE ; once gilt ; plain flanged hoop with traces of engraved ornament ; circular bezel engraved with an owl between tlic letters A S, and with a cable border : at the back of the bezel the legend : moil Z> (iltCiS). English, 16th century. D. of hoop, 1-21 in. L. of bezel, 74 in. For the legend .Moti cuiir av^c cf. no. 1009. 559 SIGNET-RINGS 85 Hkass ; once gilt ; flanj^cd hoop cnc^ravcd on the sicks and shoiildcis with a floral design filled with blacl< enamel. Oval bezel engraved with a merchant's mark- within a pearled border. In the interioi' is a legend filled witli enamel in black : g IcbC i'll IjopC [I live ill hope). Sec figure. English, \()tJi tcnttiry. D. of hoop, I -06 in. I., of bezel, -65 in. ()!raybrooke Coll.) From Gloucester. For merchants' marks set under no. 330. 560. Gold ; similar hoop engraved with a floral design and crescents, enamelled. Oval bezel, blank. Within, the legend : mOIt COf plCSllf. English, early \6th eentury. 1). of hoop. -97 in. L. of bezel, -57 in. Weight, 317 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) 561. Bronze gilt ; broad hoop engraved on the shoulders with a lozenge diaper enclosing roses and leaves. Oval bezel engraved with a monogram IB and a crosier, with a smaller letter b ; pearled border. In the inside, the legend : mil ct ben. Plate X. English, \(ith ce/itury. I). f26 in. Given by C. H. Read, Esq., 1906. From Newmarket, Cambridgeshire. 56a. Gold ; similar hoop, the shoulders engraved with a floral ornament once enamelled. Circular bezel engraved with a heart with Lombardic .R', and a cross above, within tracer)' and cable border. Within, legend enamelled in black ; joic s(an0 tpn. Plate VII. Efiglish, early \bth century. D. of hoop, 78 in. D. of bezel, •4S m. fSoden Smith Coll.) For the legend cf. nos. 2S8, 924-7. 563. Bronze ; the hoop has four equidistant oval bezels of unequal size, engraved with an angel, a lion mask, a hound couchant before a tree or plant, and a scallop shell. English, ibth eentury. D. i-i8 in. \). of largest bezel. '62 in 86 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 564. Gold ; similar hoop ; shoulders engraved with floral scrolls and a tun. Circular bezel engraved with a tun. from which issue a pine-cone and leaves ; cable border. Within is engraved the legend : amOUr fait mOlllt artJCIlt fait tOtlt. All once enamelled. Plate VII. English, early \6th century. D. -9 in. Weight, 176 grains. From Sudbury, Suffolk. 565. Gold ; the hoop chased with foliate ornament, much damaged ; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : per pale, a dimidiated fleur-de-lis, and chequy ; above, initials I. 0. Plate VII. German, \6tk century. D. of hoop, I-I5 in. L. of bezel. -63 in. Weight, 265 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 566. Gold; the hoop chased on the shoulders with floral ornament: circular bezel engraved with a merchants mark. Plate X. English, early 16th century. D. I in. D. of bezel, •56 in. Weight, 214 grains. Given by the Re\. J. M. Traherne, F.S.-A., 1852. Found in a grave at Llantwit Major, Glamorganshire. 567. Gold : the shoulders and sides of the bezel chased in scrollwork, all once enamelled. Raised octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : or, a fesse between a star of eight points in chief, and an ox in base. At the back of the bezel is engraved a symmetrical floral design with quatrefoil scrollwork. Plate IX. French, i6ih century. D. IMS in. L. of bezel, -52 in. Weight, 250 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. On the shoulders are traces of white enamel. 568. Bronze gilt ; the hoop engraved with foliate design in low relief ; oval bezel engraved with an ornamental shield of arms: a bend engrailed, in chief a star; cable border. French, \6th century. D. of hoop, i'02 in. L. of bezel, '52 in. Obtained in Rome. 569. Bronzf. (;ilt ; shoulders chased in the form of caryatid figure.-^ with scrolls ; the oval bezel at the back engraved in intaglio with bust of a bare-headed man in armour. Pearled border. \6th century. D. of hoop, ri in. L. of bezel, -67 in. (Hailstone Coll.) 570. Bronze ; with remains of gilding ; the hoop is plain and slender at the back, where it is broken : the shoulders chased with arabesque figures. Oval bezel engraved with the initials P B, united by a knot. if)th century. D. 1-2 in. 1836. SIGNET-RINGS 87 571. Bko.NZIC (,11,1 ; tlic lioop slciulcr at the Ixick, wlicrc it is bfoketi ; the shoulders engraved with sti'ap-work, one having a tubular whistle. Large oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : on a chevron between three oak-leaves seven flowers. .SV^ figure. \6t/i century. I). 1-24 in. 572. Bronze ; slender hoop with scrollwork in relief upon the shoulders ; oval bezel engraved with a .shai)cil shield, bearing a star of eight points ujion a triple mount ; to right and left the letters H. M. Italian, \6t/i cent my. D. -96 in. Ciistellani Coll. 1872. 573. BkoN/.K c.ILT ; the hoop chased with formal scrollwork ; circular bezel with a shaped shield, blank. Gcr7nan, iftt/i century. D. PI in. Fcninil in C.reece. 574. Silver gilt; the hoop similar to the preceding; oval bezel with a shaped shield engraved with the letters CM ; above, the date 1575. German, ifit/i century. I). 1-2 in. L. of bezel, '62 in. (Zschille Collection, no. 61.) 575. Bronzi-; ; transverse ribs on shoulders ; oval bezel with a shaped shield, bearing a fleur-de-lis issuing from a heart. Above the shield the initials I M F. German, early \~th century. D. I in. 576. Bronze ; with raisetl ridges across the shoulders and the back of the bezel ; oval bezel engraved with a merchant's mark, and mono- gram A. W. See figure. German, if)t/i century. D. of hoop, ri3 in. L. of bezel, -65 in. 577. Bronze : plain hoop with a projection on each shoulder ; oval bezel with a shield of arms: a fylfot. Above, the initials I B R. Cable border. German, early 1 6t/i century. D. of hoop, I-I2 in. L. of bezel. -64 in. (Braybrooke Cull.) 578. Silver ; large oval be/.cl engraved with a shield of arms: per fess, in chief a lion rampant, in base an acorn (?) ; mantlings, helmet, and crest a star between two wings issuing from a ducal coronet ; initials I A S. ^^^ figure. German, \'th century. D. '9 in. C.ivcn by the Trustees of the Christy Collection. 1S65. 88 CATALOGUE OF FiNGER-RINGS 579. Bronze ; the shoulders chased and engraved ; oval bezel engraved with an eagle with raised wings, and the initials R. S. Etiglis/i, \6th century. D. -98 in. 580. Silver ; plain hoop with foliate ornament on the shoulders ; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms with indeterminate bearings ; above, a helmet and coronet. \6th century. D. -96 in. L. of bezel, -54 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection. 1S65. 581. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with a horseshoe, a nail, a hammer, and pincers: above, the initials H. H. English, I ~ith catttiry. D. I -06 in. L. of bezel, -06 in. 1865. 582. Bronze : octagonal bezel engraved with a horseshoe, hammer, pincers, &c. The shoulders are ornamented in relief and engraved ; on the hoop diagonal bands with flowers between. See figure. English, \6th century. D. l-l in. L. of bezel, -66 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1S65. 583. Bronze ; hexagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark between the initials LP.; the shoulders chased with scrollwork. .S^f figure. English, \6th century. D. fi in. 1S65. 584. Silver ; octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark and the letters W. H. The hoop is hollow, forming a whistle ; the shoulders are in the form of dragons' heads. Sec figure. English, 16th century. D. 1-2 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 585. Bronze ; on the triangular projecting bezel are engraved a lion rampant, two stars, and a bezant (?). Pearled border. Italian, 1 6lh century. D. of hoop, 1-12 in. L. of bezel, -57 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) SIGNET-RINGS 89 586. Ikon ; the hoop chased with a floral design, in parts much defaced ; pointed oval bezel engraved with a heart-shaped shield with the letters FT M f, siinnounted by a globe and crown. German, \ ;tli cciitniy. D. of hoop, -86 in. I., of bezel, -84 in. (Soden .Smith Coll.) 587. GoM) ; plain lioop widening at the shoulders ; flat oval bezel engraved with the initials T W, bound together with a knot, and surmounted by two flowers and a leaf. Cable border. PlatcNlW. English, \bth century. D. of hoop, "94 in. L. of bezel, -76 in. Weight, 283 grains. Knots of this kind uniting initials were very common in the sixteenth century. The initials of Mary Queen of Scots and Darnley were thus joined on the ring now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, no. S4I-'7I {Arc/i. Joiirn. xiv, p. 299). Cf. also Ce/iileiiian's Maga::i!u, Ixxx, p. 321 ; Jour/!. Brit. Arc/i. Assoc, iv, p. 389. The use of the knot does not, however, in every case imply that the ring is a love-ring, for the initials are often those of a single person. 588. Gold ; plain hoop widening at the shoulders ; flat oval bezel engraved with the initials T B, joined bj- a knot, from which spring forget-me-nots ; all within a cable border. On the back of the bezel are engraved the initials D. B. English, 16th century. D. of hoop, -88 in. L. of bezel, -67 in. Weight, 157 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 589. Gold ; plain hoop ; oval bezel engraved with the initials C S, joined by a knot ; cable border. Plate Vlll. EngUsJi, i6th century. D.of hoop, 7in. L. of bezel, -98 in. Weight, 1S6 grains. F"ound near Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds. Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, 2nd series, iv, p. 97. 590. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with the initials T C and a knot. English, 16th century- 1). of hoop, -81 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 108 grains. 591. Gold ; engraved shoulders ; flat oval bezel with the initials A A, joined by a knot ; in the field acorns ; cable border. On the back of bezel are engraved the letters AM A in monogram, and, above, a death's head. Plate VIW. English, 16th century. D. of hoop, I in. L. of bezel, 76 in. Weight, 235 grains. This ring has probably been used as a mourning-ring. For mourning-rings with posies see no. 1223. 592. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with the initials M B, with a knot below, and forget-me-nots above ; cable border. English, 16th century. D. of hoop, -81 in. L. of bezel, '62 in. Weight, 126 grains. Found in Nottinghamshire. go CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 593. Gold; plain hoop: oval bezel engraved with initials T. W. crowned; astragalus border. Plate VIII. Eiiglis/i, \6tJi century. D. of hoop, '94 in. L. of bezel, •/ in. Weight, 184 grain?. 594. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with a tree between th.e initials T W surrounded b)- strap-work : cable border. E7iglish, 16th century. D. of hoop, -75 in. L. of bezel. -6 in. Weight, 134 grains. (Octavius Morgan CiU.) 595. Brass ; oval bezel engraved with the initials R. F., and also with the legend: CHE BEN. English, I't/i century. D. of hoop, I -02 in. Proc. Hoc. Anliqiiaries of Lo7tdo?i, 2nd series, iv, p. 98. 596. Bronze : oval bezel engraved with the initials I • H. Pearled border. English, \'}th century. D. of hoop, I in. L. of bezel, '63 in. 597. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with the initials I L, and a merchant's mark. Cable border. 5rf figure. English, I'th century. D. of hoop, '9 in. I L 598. Gold; oval bezel engraved with a crest — a greyhound sejant, collared, and debruised with a crescent : cable border. Plate \TII. English, 16th century. D. of hoop, I-I2 in. L. of bezel, -93 in. Found near Weymouth. 599. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with the arms of Bury of Linwood Grange, Co. Lincoln, and Bath ; ermine, on a bend engrailed azure, plain cottised gules, three fleur-de-lis or: crest a demi-dragon : cable border. Pearled edge to bezel. Plate IX. English, late 16th century. D. ro6 in. L. of bezel, -86 in. Weight, 495 grains. 1S99. Found at .-Vshnell. Rutland. Several English armorial signets of this class are in the Victoria and .Albert Museum. Cf. also Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, 1st series, iii. p. 137 : 2nd series, ii. p. 364. 600. Gold; modelledwithfoliateornament on the shoulders. Oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : gules two bars ermine between seven crosses pattee (three, three and one), argent, on a chief of the second a demi-lion issuant of the first. Above are the initials Tl, and three stars ; all within a cable border. Plate VIII. English, late 16th century. D. of hoop. 1-21 in. L. of bezel, -84 in. Weight, 574 grains. The arms are those of Sir John Tirrell, knighted 158S. SIGNKT-RFNGS 91 6oi. Gdl.l) ; oval bezel enL;ravetl with a sjiield of arms, with six quaiterings ; helmet, casst, and mantling. Cable border. Plate \'III. English, late i6th century. D. of hoop, i-ii in. L. of bezel, -88 in. Weight, 461 grains. I and 6 are Ravenscroft — a chevron between three ravens' heads ; 2 Holland of Denby (.'J — azure, a lion rampant guardant, argent ; 3 Skcfiington (.') — argent, three bulls' heads erased (wyverns) ; 4 licrkhead (.')— sable, three garbs, a bordure or; 5 Swcttcnham— arg., on a bend vert, three spades of the first, a martlet in chief. The ring may have belonged to Thomas Ravenscroft, SherilVof Fhnt in 1580, or to William Ravenscroft, barrister of Lincoln's Inn in 1580. 602. Gold; massive hoop; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms: three dragons heads erased. Plate Vlir. F.iiglisli, \btli century. D. of hoop, -96 in. L. of bezel, '94 in. Weight. 424 grains. The arms said to be tho.se of I5yam, Co. Somerset, with which, however, tliey do not correspond. 603. Gold; oval bezel, with cable border, engraved with a .shield of arms: on a bend between two bendlets, three elm leaves and eight bezants on a bordure. To right and left the initials R. W. Plate \TII. English, late 16 th century. D. of hoop, -99 in. L. of bezel, 74 in. Weight, 256 grains. 604. Gold ; the hoop engraved inside with legend : (HlCron'OtlS \]t \l)!)0 bCiU'Ctlj inc. Oval bezel, with cable border, engraved with figure of warrior crowned and riding on a lion over his enemies; in his right hand he holds a sword, in his left an indeterminate object. In the field is monogram ^. Stamp [M^l at back of bezel. Plate VIII. English, late \6th century. D. of hoop, -8 in. L. of bezel, -67 in. Weight, 136 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 605. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with a lion rampant : cable border. Stamp on the back of the bezel, the letters H E combined. Plate VIII. English, idth century. D. of hoop, -Si in. L. of bezel, 7 in. Weight, 158 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 606. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with a shield with the arms of Pynkeney : arg., a pale fusily sable, a bordure engrailed of the last, with a crescent for difterence ; helmet, crest a demi-Iion rampant, and mantling. Cable border. In the interior of the hoop a goldsmith's stamp. G upon a shield. Plate VIII, and see figure. English, about A. U. i6co. D. of hoop, -8 in. L. of bezel, -68 in. Weight, 11 1 grains. (Braybrookc Coll.) Found at ^'ork in 1849. 92 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 607. Gold ; flat oval bezel engraved with the arms of Steward (Cambridge) : or, a lion rampant gules, debruised by a bend ragulee or. Cable border. Plate VIII. English, about A. D. 1600. D. of hoop, "94 in. L. of bezel, -58 in. Weight, 95 grains. 608. Gold ; plain hoop ; oval bezel engraved with arms of Urswick : ermine, a fess chequy arg. and sable. Cable border. PlatcWW. English, abmU K.Vt. 1600. . D. of hoop, -84 in. L. of bezel, •65 in. Weight, 113 grains. (.Braybrooke Coll.) 609. Gold ; plain hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a lion rampant between the initials I L : cable border. English, about A. D. i6co. D. of hoop, •7S in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Weight, 106 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 610. Gold : plain hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a lion passant : cable border. Sec figure. English, late \6th century. D. of hoop, -88 in. L. of bezel, -76 in. Weight, 118 grains. (Bray- brooke Coll.) 611. Gold ; plain hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a two-headed eagle : cable c border. On the back of the bezel are the initials p g and a goldsmith's mark, B within a lozenge. Plate VIII. English, early i "jth centitry. D. of hoop, -82 in. L. of bezel, -66 in. Weight, 137 grains. Found in the Tower Ditch, London. 612. Gold ; plain hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : chequy, on a chief a lion passant : cable border. Plate IX. English, early ijth century. D. of hoop, 76 in. L. of bezel, -67 in. Weight, 145 grains. 613. Gold; plain hoop; oval bezel engraved with an ostrich, and legend: WILLIAM * OSNEY *. At the back of the bezel are engraved the initials G. H. Plate IX. English, early I'jth century. D of hoop, -94 in. L. of bezel, 77 in. Weight, 262 grains. si(;Ni:T-RiNt;s 93 614. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with tlic pelican in her piety ; cable border. Goldsmith's mark, a fleur-de- lis (?), on the back of the bezel. Sec figure. English, early 1 -/li century. D. of hoop, -82 in. L. of bezel, -64 in. Weight, SS grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Dug up during construction of Southwark Bridge. For the subject cf. nos. 53;, 542, 635, 644. The ring was purchased by Lord Braybrooke at Mr. Windus's sale in 1S55 ; it was then described as having been found during the construction of a coffer for a pier of Southwark Bridge. 615. Gold; slender hoop m\<\ circular bezel engraved with a lion rampant, and, below, a star. .SV^ figure. \6th century. D. -98 in. Weight, 13S grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 616. Gold ; flat oval bezel engraved with a quartered shield of arms ; cable border. Plate IX. English, early \']th century. D. of hoop, I in. L. of bezel, -78 in. Weight, 2S4 grains. I Corbet, of Longnor, Salop— or, two ravens proper in pale within a bordure engrailed bezantee ; 2 Goldington (?) — argent, two lions passant azure : 3 Springhose — per fess gules and vert, a fess argent, in chief a chevron of the last. 6l6a. Gold ; oval bezel with cable border and shield quarterly — 1 and 4 : a chevron ermines between three birds — 2 and 3 : an annulet within a bordure of cinquefoils. In the interior is engraved : Tried ivth the givers love the gould but drofl'e zvill prove. Englisli, early 17/// century. D. '8 in. Weight, 126 grains. 1912. Said to have been picked up in a ploughed field at Grittleton, near Chippenham. With the motto or ' posy ' cf. those of nos. i IC7 ft". 94 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 617. GOLD; oval bezel engraved with a ship under sail and the initials E. G. in the field : cable border. On the back of the bezel a goldsmith's mark. G within a circle. Plate X. English, early i -jth century. D. of hoop, -82 in. L. of bezel, -58 in. Weight, 97 grains. 618. Gold : oval bezel engraved with arms: two chevrons engrailed, on each three bezants; a mullet in chief; helmet, crest a stag's head issuing from a ducal cornet, and mantling. Plate IX. English, early j ;/// century. D. of hoop, "9 in. L. of bezel, -69 in. Weight, 126 grains. The arms may be those of Rothwell. 619. Gold ; flat oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : a stag's head erased, within a bordure engrailed ; helmet, crest a lion statant, and mantling. Pearled border. Plate's.. English, I'jth century. D. of hoop, '79 in. L. of bezel, -66 in. Weight. 98 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 6ao. Gold ; plain hoop : flat oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : three horseshoes on a bend cotised. Cable border. Plate IX. Etiglish, early ■\';tli century. D. of hoop, -89 in. L. of bezel, -67 in. Weight, iSo grains. Three horseshoes on a bend are borne by various families : Ferrers, Ferrier, Crispe (Kent), Dethick. 621. Gold ; flat oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms quarterly : i and 4 a lion rampant ; 2 on a chevron between three lions' faces, three mullets ; 3 on a chevron between three fleurs-de-lis, three hurts. Plate IX. E7iglish, early I'th century. D. of hoop, -8 in L. of bezel, -66 in. Weight, 136 grains. The third quarter may be Girdler or Pickering (Notts.). 622. Gold; oval bezel engraved with arms of Acklam, Co. York: a maunch within an orle of eight cinquefoils ; helmet, crest a cinquefoil voided, and mantling. Cable border. Plate IX. English, early i~th century. D. of hoop, -87 in. L. of bezel, 72 in. Weight, 135 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 623. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with a bust and the initials S P ; cable border. At the back of the bezel a goldsmith's mark : a I (?). Plate IX. English, \-th century. D. of hoop, -89 in. L. of bezel, 'SS in. Weight. 185 grains. signi:t-rings 95 624. Silvi:r ; slender hoop ; oval bezel engraved with arms : /ft^Sx on a fess three stars, in base a beast, in chief an indeterminate piXAlm^ charge. ^^^^^^J^- ^^^ figure. Italian, \(^th century. \f' -^-^/-^ D. '96 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 625. Bronze ; slender hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms : on a chevron between three birds (choughs ?) as many torteaux ; helmet, crest, and mantling. At the back of the bezel, a goldsmith's stamp. English, \6tli century. D. -Sin. 1836. 626. Sii.vKK; oval bezel engraved with a shield of arms: a pentacle, in chief a star, in base three mounts ; helmet, and crest a wing charged with a star ; initials E. W. German, 1 (>th century. D. '8 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 627. SlLVKR; oval bezel engraved with a incrchant's mark in a shield : initials M M. See figure. German, \6th century. D. -96 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. For merchants' marks see under no. 33S. 628. Br.\SS; oval bezel engravetl with a three-masted vessel. \6th century. D. '9 in. 1865. 629. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a merchant's mark between the initials R. S. English, i6tk century. I). I in. 1S65. 630. Bronzk; circular bezel engraved with a lion rampant. English, idth century. D. -9 in. Sloane Coll. 122, 1753. 631. BronzI': ; circular bezel engraved with a merchant's mark. See figure. English, 16th century. D. -8 in. Sloane Coll. 95, 1753. T^ The hoop broken. For merchants' marks see under no. 338. t. 632. Bronze ; plain rounded hoop : oval bezel engraved with a mer- chant's mark between the letters H and C. Sec figure. English, \6th century. D. I in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. '!■ g6 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS 633. Silver ; o%'al bezel engraved with a pair of scales and legend : FECIT (?) EX VT,?)0. 17/// century. D. I-02 in. 634. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a merchant's mark. £_ V AV^" figure. English. \bth century. '^ r^ D. 1-09 in. 1865. /jS\. 635. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with a pelican in her piety. 1 6/// century. D. -98 in. 1865. For the pelican cf. nos. 537, 542. 614, 644. 636. Bronze ; oval bezel engraved with a merchant's mark between the initials I. I. See figure. English, \6th century. D. I in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. ■^' 637. Gold ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : a lion rampant on field seme of trefoils slipped. Cable border. Plate IX. English, early i-jth century. D. of hoop, -9 in. L. of bezel, 73 in. Weight, 156 grains. 638. Gold ; flat hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with a lion rampant. Cable border. Plate IX. English, early I'th century. D. of hoop, -82 in. L. of bezel, 'SS in. Found in a hop-garden at Faversham, 1889. 639. Gold ; flat hoop and hexagonal bezel engraved with a three-masted ship with a cross on the ensign ; pearled border. On the back of the bezel a stamp : til 0. Plate X. Etiglish, i-/th century. D. 76 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 79 grains. Durden Coll. 1893. Found on Spettis- bur)- Farm, Blandford, Dorset, 1S50. The type of the ship is earlier than the date of the ring. 640. Gold ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : a chevron between three cinquefoils. Helmet, crest dexter arm holding a dagger, and mantling, and initials C. W. Plate IX. English, early x'/th century. D. of hoop, -83 in. L. of bezel, -68 in. \arious families of which the initial is W bear such arms : Wadham, Walthani, Walsingham, Wybaston. SIGNET-RINGS 97 641. Gold ; flat octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms: (i) on a chevron between three fleurs-de-lis a crescent ; impaling (2) a bend fusily, with mullet in chief. Helmet, crest a bird, and mantling. Cable border. At the back of the bezel a goldsmith's mark, B. Plate IX. Eiiglis/i. early \']th century. D. of hoop, -89 in. L. of bezel, -66 in. Weight, 139 grains. 642. Gold ; octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms : three leopards' heads jessant-de-lis on a chevron between three identical leopards' heads impaling (i) a bend engrailed between si.v garbs, (2) a cross between four ermine spots (?). Helmet, crest a leopard's head holding an arrow, and mantling. Plate 'K. English, early I'] th century. D. of hoop, -84 in. Weight, 112 grains. At the back of the bezel is a goldsmith's stamp, M. 643. GOLD; flat hoop ; octagonal bezel engraved with arms of Murphy : quarterl)- arg. and gu.. four lions rampant counterchanged ; on a fess sa. three garbs or, with crest a hound passant, and mantling, and initials R. M. in field. Cable border. On the back are engraved the initials J. M. Plate IX. Irish, early \'ith century. D. of hoop, "94 in. L. of bezel, 78 in. Weight, 228 grains. 644. Gold ; plain hoop ; flat octagonal bezel engraved with the pelican in her piety. Cable border. Plate X. English, early I'jth century. D. of hoop, '79 in. L. of bezel. -55 in. Weight, 61 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 645. Gold ; a puzzle ring, the main hoop transversely ribbed ; oval bezel engraved with H. T. in monogram, and surmounted by a double cross. Legend: FACTIS EXERCENDA VIRTUS; cable border. Plate IX. German, early 17M century. D. of hoop, '94 in. L. of bezel, -69 in. Weight, 324 grains. For puzzle-rings see nos. 713 ft". 646. Bronze ; octagonal bezel engraved with a merchant's mark in form of an anchor, and the initials M M, all in a wreath. German^ i'jth century. D. of hoop, 76 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 647. Gold; the hoop has been engraved with floral designs much defaced. Oval bezel with eight lobes, set with a sapphire of later date, and engraved with a round shield bearing an eight-pointed star, with mantling and the letters q p. In the interior of the hoop is the legend : SPERARE LICET. Italian, early \()th century. D. of hoop, "9 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Weight, 181 grains. II 98 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 648. Gold ; the hoop and the sides of the bezel chased with scrolls and masks enamelled in crimson, pale blue, &c. Oval bezel set with a crystal engraved with a shield of arms: three hearts (?), with helmet, crest four peacocks" feathers and three bulrushes, and initials R K . Plate X. German, \']th century. D. of hoop, I -28 in. L. of bezel, 1-05 in. Weight, 435 grains. 649. Gold ; the hoop hollow, engraved, and enamelled in blue and red. On the two shoulders an eight-armed cross with the letters T and X, and scrolls. Circular bezel containing a hemispherical chalcedony, engraved in intaglio with a face amid rays. 17/// century. V). 1-3 in. Weight, 24S grains. 1853. III. After A. D 1650 {a) Set zuith gevis or pastes. 650. Gold ; plain hoop and lozenge-shaped bezel containing a white topaz engraved in intaglio with the arms of England under the Stuarts, surmounted by a crown and flanked by MR, the first letter having a cross-bar and thus also forming an H. 18/// century (}). D. -92 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 72 grains. Archaeologia, xlvii, p. 401. The hoop of this ring is not earlier than the eighteenth centur)'. The design upon the gem is apparently an ine.xact imitation of that upon the diamond in the Royal Collection, engraved by Francis Walwyn to the order of Charles I, for presentation to Henrietta Maria, whose initials are represented by the characters {Archaeologia, as above, fig. on p. 400). Several reproductions of this diamond are known to have been made (cf. Cat. of the Loan Exhibition of Ancient and Modern Jeiiiellery, South Kensington, 1872, no. 936), and imitations in glass were once sold at Holyrood as copies of the signet of Mar>' Queen of Scots {Archaeologia, 1, pp. 104 ff., especially p. no). A similar shield and crown with the letters M R, the former without thecross-bar, is found on a sapphire signet attributed to -Mary, Queen of William III (ibid., p. in). 651. Gold; slender hoop, the shoulders scrolled and enriched with green, dark blue, and white enamel. The bezel octagonal with convex back, where it is enamelled with the letters J. R. in monogram on translucent blue touched with opaque. It is set with a white topaz engraved with the arms of England with supporters gartered and crowned. Below, on a scroll : DlEU ET .MO\ DROIT. English, I'jtk century. D. -88 in. L. of bezel, -58 in. Weight, So grains. The cipher shows that the ring was made for a James, either James 1 1 or possibly James Francis Edward Stuart (the Old Chevalier). SIGNET-RINGS 99 652. G(il,l) ; sleiulcr hoop, the shoulders pierced and forming a trefoil ; oval bezel containing a sapphire engraved with the initials J R surmounted by a royal crown and enclosed in a wreath. At the back of the bezel a shaped shield surmounted by the papal tiara, and bearing an eagle reserved in the metal upon a ground of blue enamel ; above its head a crown. On one side of the hoop a goldsmith's stamp. Plate XIX, ro7.' 5. D. I in. L. of bezel, •^ in. Weight, 109 grains. The initials {Jacobus Rex) are those of the Old Chevalier ; the arms are those of Innocent XIII (1721-4). 653. Gold ; octagonal bezel set with octagonal sapphire engraved with the arms of James Sobieski, father of Clementina Stuart, who died 1737. Shoulders chased and once enamelled in blue and white ; back of bezel rubbed and enamelled. .S'cr figure. Polish, \^t/i century. 1). of hoop, 73 in. L. of bezel, -48 in. Weight, 55 grains. The arms are : or, an oval shield purpure. A ring with arms engraved on'sapphire is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, no. 820-71. 654. Gold ; the hoop divides at the shoulders, each of which has a a faceted crystal. Octagonal bezel containing a chalcedony engraved with a shield of arms between palm-branches and surmounted by a princely crown : quarterly, 1 and 4 an eagle displaj^ed, crowned ; 2 and 3, a lion rampant crowned ; over all an escutcheon of pretence, two bends and in chief a lion. Inside the hoop is a goldsmith's stamp T I . See figure. Polish, early jHth century. D. -92 in. L. of bezel, '55 in setting with 655. Gold ; oval bezel containing a carnelian engraved in intaglio with anns of Bell (?) : two spears broken at the points crossing each other saltircways between three bells. Plate X. English, late \-th century. D. •74 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Weight, 65 grains. 656. GoLU; the hoop enamelled in blue and white on the shoulders. Oval bezel with convex back, enamelled in blue and white, set with a nicolo engraved in intaglio with a bust of Mercury, full-face. English, late \'/th century . D. of hoop, -88 in. L. of bezel, -62 in. Weight, 95 grains. The gem is anlitiue. II 2 lOO CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 657. Gold ; with scalloped edge ; shoulders of hoop and lower edge of bezel enamelled ; bezel oval, set with a nicolo engraved in intaglio with a raven standing on a branch. English, late I'th century. D. of hoop, -72 in. L. of bezel, -45 in. Weight, 33 grains. The gem, though resembhng a Roman intaglio, is perhaps contemporary with the ring. 658. Silver gilt : slender hoop, the shoulders moulded with scrolls and leaves ; high circular bezel containing a carbuncle engraved in intaglio with a Medusa head. i^ih century. D. 1-36 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. From Smyrna. The gem is antique. 659. Gold : the hoop and edges of the bezel enamelled : on each shoulder is a diamond in a shell-shaped boss. Octagonal bezel, the sides with scalloped edges, set with a nicolo engraved in intaglio with a laureate bust. Plate X. Italian, early i %th century. D. of hoop, -84 in. L. of bezel, -73 in. Weight, 113 grains. The gem is late Roman. 660. Gold; slender hoop of rococo design enamelled with black touched with white: open-work shoulders ; the shoulders divided with a flower between. Oval bezel, ornamented at the back with a bold radiating design, set with a lapis paste engraved in intaglio with the bust of a j-outh. Plate X. Italian, i "/th century. D. -94 in. L. of bezel, -7 in. Weight, 93 grains. 661. Gold : the shoulders and sides of the bezel enamelled with scrolls and flowers on grounds of dark blue and green ; large oval bezel containing an amethyst clear set, engraved in intaglio with two female figures burning incense at an altar before a column. Sec figure. Late \~th century. D. '94 in. L. of bezel, '82 in. Weight, ill grains. Carlisle Coll. 1890. The gem is probably not antique, but of the period of the Renais- sance. This ring, with the two following numbers, belonged to Henry Howard, fourth Earl of Carlisle (1694-175S), a well-known collector of gems. 662. Gold ; the hoop with three bands of imbrications reser\-ed on a ground of black enamel ; the shoulders have transverse ribs, and terminate in trefoils enamelled in black and white. Oval bezel, riveted to the shoulders, formed of a plain gold setting, with a sard engraved in intaglio with a head of Socrates, within a band of diamonds mounted in silver. \~th and i^th centuries. D. -92 in. L. of bezel, 74 in. Weight, 13S grains. Carlisle Coll. 1890. The hoop is of the latter part of the seventeenth century- ; the bezel is an addition made in the eighteenth centur)-. SIGNET-RINGS lOl 663. Gold; the back of the hoop bakistci-mouklcd and enamelled in translucent blue and green, the shoulders wreathed and each flanked by a pair of thunder-bolts. Oval bezel, the sides with an open-work interlaced band enamelled in blue and a pearled band ; it contains a sard deeply engraved in intaglio with a head of Jupiter. 1 ^th cot I my. D. -g in. L. of bezel, '8 in. Weight, 118 grains. Carlisle Coll. 1890. 664. GoLD; slender hoop with pierced shoulders; circular bezel, reeded beneath, set with a sapphirine chalcedony engraved in intaglio with two standing figures : Hermes with caduceus, and Fortuna with cornucopia. Englisli, early I'i^tk century. D. I in. D. of bezel, -44 in. Weight, 56 grains. The gem is late Roman. 665. Gold ; the hoop channelled and dividing into three at -the shoulders, the middle member being of silver. Oval bezel with a silver edge and ribbed at the back, set with a plasma engraved in intaglio with a female figure holding a mirror (?). English, 1 %th century. D. of hoop, -S in. L. of bezel, -49 in. Weight, 35 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) The intagho is Roman. 666. Gold ; slender hoop ; oval bezel set with an onyx paste, engraved in intaglio with Aphrodite seated to /. upon a rock and holding a cestus (?) in her ;-. hand. Behind her Eros stands in a basket and pulls her elbow. Below, the letters of a signature: AHTC/y''. 18/// century. D. -86 in. Weight, 46 grains. The intaglio is of the eighteenth century. 667. Gold ; flat hoop with median ridge and flanged shoulders ; hollow almond- shaped bezel set with a carnelian engraved in intaglio with Fortuna standing with rudder and cornucopia ; round the border a legend : 0£O nOM///, I'jth-i'i^th century. D. 1-04 in. L. of bezel, i-l in. Weight, 93 grains. 1866. Probably from the .Adriatic The gem is late Roman. {/)) Engraved with arms and devices. 668. Silver ; flat oval bezel with ribbed back, engraved with a dove. Legend : MCN 0^ IC TY AIMITPI. Greek, \']tli century. I), of hoop, -g in. L. of bezel, -74 in. I02 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 669. SlL\ EK ; flat oval bezel with ribbed back, engraved with a double-headed eagle. Legend: reOPnoC TOU CIPOMOUNO. Greek, i-jth ceniuiy. D. of hoop. -99 in. L. of bezel, -87 in. Obtained in Smj-ma. 670. Silver : flat oval bezel with ribbed back, engraved with a dove. Legend : AOUK aC It ICi/^lAY A0XU. Greek, \']th century. D. of hoop, "9 in. L. of bezel, '82 in. 671. Silver : the hoop has triangular shoulders engraved and partly nielloed ; octagonal bezel with projecting points, and legend : reOPn I 174*2 : above which is an ornament of three round arches. Georgian, \Ztli century. D. of hoop, "93 in. L. of bezel, -68 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 672. Silver ; engraved shoulders : high oval bezel rudely engraved with a lion (?) passant : all once enamelled. Hungarian, \~th century. D. I -06 in. (Octa^•^us Morgan Coll.) 673. Bronze ; high circular bezel engraved with a horseman carrjing his sword over his shoulder ; above, the initials F S ; pearled border. Hungarian {?), 17//; century. D. I in. D. of bezel, '64 in. 674. Sll.XER; on each shoulder of the hoop is chased a crowned bearded head. High octagonal bezel engraved with two lions confronting ; between them branches and the initials I. T. At the back of the bezel, a stamp 13. See figure. Hungarian, i~th century. D. I-I2 in. L. of bezel, -8 in. (Octa\-ius Morgan Coll.) Cf J. Szendrei, Caialogite de Ui Coll. de Bagiies dc M^ O. de Tarnocsy, no. 74- 675. Silver; massive hoop of triangular section with two projections on each shoulder ; oval bezel engraved with a bird between leaves. Hungarian (?), i ;/// century. D. i*i2 in. L. of bezel, 76 in. (Hraybrooke Coll.) 676. Silver ; the hoop wreathed at the back; the shoulders moulded with lions' heads ; octagonal bezel engraved with a formal carnation and the initials I. P. On the outside of the hoop, a rectangular control mark, with the letter A. German, i^t/t century. IJ. 1M2 in. L. of bezel, 76 in. SIGNET-RINGS 103 677. Brass ; circular bc/.cl engraved witli a shield of arms upon a cross : (luaricrly, I and 4 four bezants, z and 5 a dcmi-lion rampant. Legend :CLEMAVGCZ COL H B 1725. Hiiiigarian, \'^tlt century. D. of hoop, -96 in. D. of bezel, -iis in. (Braybrookc Coll.) 678. Sil\i;k; plain slender hoop and applied circular bezel engraved in intaglio with a figure of Mercury carrying the caduceus. iS//; century. I). -88 in. Durdcn Coll. 1893. 679. Gold; the hoop channelled on the .shoulders: the bezel scutiforni and engraved with a shield of arms : or. two lions passant. \<^th century. I). 74 in. L. of bezel, -46 in. Weight, 106 grains. 680. SiLVKR ; the shoulders modelled, one in the form of .St. George, the other as a dragon clutching the hoop. Circular bezel engraved with a shield of arms : per pale, two hunting horns. Legend : albeit fl'iJljKclj IfJt UlUltiJfflirlj. Plate X. Gerjnan, x^tJi century. D. '94 in. D. RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL L Devotional Rings. (a) T-'^ih to \6t/i centuries. 681. Gold; exterior of hoop engraved with legend: + KVH I IaKIK C-KKdlK PLHK DII, each letter in a concave panel. 13//; century. D. of hoop, -8 in. Weight, 39 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Cf. Joitni. Brit. Arclt. Assoc. .\iii, pi. x,\.\ix. The last two letters (DN) represent the Dominus of Dominus tecum. The sentence, the Latin version of the Angelic message to the Virgin in the Annunciation (Luke i. 28), is very commonly found upon the minor products of mediaeval industrial art. It was doubtless considered to have a prophylactic virtue, and is sometimes found in conjunction with familiar charm-words such as AG LA (cf. no. 218, and Arch. Jotiru. iv, p. 78). 682. Silver; legend: * KVfc ilfflUlK C^RKdlK PLHN, each letter in a depression. I'^th century. D. -87 in. 1849- I04 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 683. Gold : a plain slender hoop engraved on the exterior : HVH I IHRIK C'RaGIa PLHHK. 13/// century. D. of hoop, -Si in. Weight, 23 grains. 684. Gold : plain hoop with legend : * aV : H 1 IHfll/i : 6 *. The bezel con- sists of two raised settings one above the other, the upper with a sapphire, the lower a ruby. Plate XI. 13/// century. D. -86 in. D. of bezel, '4 in. Weight. 28 grains. 685. Gold; legend: KVE IIKRIK (?RKU, preceded and terminated \>y quatrefoils in square sunk panels. The bezel is a high conical oval setting, from which the stone is missing. 13//^ century. D. -86 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Weight, 5 1 grains. 686. Silver ; legend : * KVQ I IJvRIa (5, with a ridge between each pair of letters ; pyramidal bezel surmounted by a cluster of five pellets. i^th-i.^th century. D. of hoop. -91 in. H. of bezel, -26 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 687. Gold ; flat hoop with legend : * KVQ : IIKRIS : (?R/iaL7v : PLUHH ; above and below, raised borders, the upper complete and pearled, the lower imperfect. 14/// century. D. of hoop, 'Si in. Weight, 56 grains. 688. Gold ; hoop of triangular section terminating in conventional monsters' heads : of the bezel there remain only two claws, once supporting a stone. On the outer faces of the hoop, the legend : Hh 7IVH O^KRITI GRnTillT PLBIOT D0071U. Sec figure. 14/// century. D. -SS in. Weight, 30 grains. (Braybrdoke Coll.) Found at Volterra. 689. Silver ; thick flat hoop with legend : TvVtl fflARIK GRaGITv PLH. The bezel is a raised foliated setting with a coral stud revolving on a pin. Italian, 14/// century. D. ro4 in Castellani Coll. 1872. 690. Silver gilt ; flat hoop with legend : HVH O M^HRIK Q reserved in the metal. Bezel in the form of two quatrefoils, on the uppermost of which is a heart. 14/// century. D. "96 in. D. of bezel, "66 in. Durden Coll. 1S93. The leaf of the lower quatrefoil is broken. RELIGIOUS AND ECCI.IiSIASTiCAI, 105 6goa. Gilt metal; flat hoop with legend: 7rV( IIT^KITT T'liTT ; it contracts towards a projecting pyramidal bezel. English, lAfth century. D. ro2 in. Durdcn Coll. 1893. Found at .\sh, near Blandford. 691. Gold ; legend on sides of hoop : KV0 iRJIRITC, the letters reserved in the metal, and the words interspersed with leaves ; pearled borders. The bezel con- sists of two raised settings side by side, each cut to a quatrefoil at the top, one containing a turquoise, the other a ruby. i^tJi century. D. "96 in. D. of bezel, '5 in. Weight, 41 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) 692. Gold ; the hoop forms on the outer side a scries of concave panels in which are engraved the letters of the legend: KVH IlKRIK 6; between the words are quatrefoils ; pyramidal bezel engraved with foliate designs. Plate XI. Italian, i^th century. D. "94 in. Weight, 108 grains. From .\rezzo. 693. Bronze ; formerly gilt ; legend : KVe HKRIK GRKQIK PIi€HK. i^th century. D. of hoop, -95 in. (Londesborough Coll.) , ^^ 694. SllA'ER ; wreathed hoop ; bezel with median ridge and legend : jljt Illiina. See figure. 15//^ century. D. •92 in. L. of bezel, •(■> in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 695. Silver ; legend : SllUia i"©iU"lil ; between the words engraved branches. English, i^th century. D. -92 in. .Sloane Coll. 1753. 696. Bronze ; in the form of a buckled strap ; legend : II3ITHII U(it IIHIiraiTO. See figure. 1 4th century. D. I in. (Braybrooke Coll.) The inscription is intended for Mater Dei nionento mei. Cf. no. 394 and ring in Norwich Castle Museum, Catalogue, 1902, no. 1125. Cf. Journ. Brit. Arch. Assoc, xiii, pi. xl ; Arch. Inst. York Meeting, iS48,p. 16; Nonuicli Meeting, 1851, p. xlix ; Proc. See. Ant. London, iv, 1867, p. 16. ,, i^\^/i-y{%ui a ,0) :gi ( i )> .^At^^i m-.^j' ^hv.^ io6 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 697. Bronze ; of similar form ; legend : I IHTHR UHl I leil/vIlTO. 14/// cetitiiry. D. -94 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 6g8. Bronze ; same form and legend. 14/// century. D. of hoop. I in. From Ixworth, Suffolk. 699. Another ; similar ; legend : I IKTaR <§> UOI <%> 1 161 IKH///. \^th century. D. •S6in. 1S65. 700. Silver ; flat hoop with legend : + leSVS : WKRm, the letters filled with niello. 14^ century. D. i-oS in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 701. Silver gilt: legend: i^c niljill'ClUl ITl" luDCO. the terminal letters foliated. Bezel in the form of a heart, from which issue two flowers. Plate XI, and see figure. English, \^th century. D. i'i6 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) From Bury St. Ed- munds. This inscription, like the Ave Maria of preceding num- bers, is of frequent occurrence in mediaeval personal ornaments. Cf. Proc. Soc. Antiquaries 0/ London, xi, p. 79. The words are from Matthew xxvii. 37. 702. Silver ; a hoop of triangular section with legend : KVQ ffiKRI : 6R. + IhO JWilXKera Rax IV * D€ORr Hesus Nazarenius) Rex Iudaeoru{vi)). 14th century. D. -92 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 703. Gold; the hoop is of triangular section with legend: Devs mnoflniB;e : rao : SKLav : waHKa : eTm. Projecting oval bezel with a chalcedony. See figure. Italian, 14th century. D. ri2 in. Weight, 70 grains. The chalcedony is probably not the original slonc. RELK.IOUS ANn IXCLESIASTICAI. 107 704. GoiJ) ; once enamelled ; the liooi) a slender wire ; quatrefoil bezel with the monogram Ihd reserved in tlie metal between a crown surmounted by a cross above, and three pellets below. i^th century. D. I in. Weight, 23 grains. For rings with the sacred monogram cf. I'lvc. Soc. Ant. London, \ii, p. 104. 704a. ]5k(inzi;; the hoop wreathed and cngra\'ed with sprigs on the shoulders; octagonal bezel engraved with the sacred monogram I'ljiJ between branches. English, \^th century. D. I in. L. of bezel, '6 in. The surface of the ring is roughened by some chemical action, which has also given it a golden appearance. 705. Gni,i); the inside of the hoop engraved with the legend: l3IiUl p(rO) lUiiSf OCatJp(l'O) £(e lallOCiU. The circular bezel is engraved with a quatrefoil panel, on which the letters il)C are reserved in the metal. Plate XI, ro'tv 4. \^th century. D. I in. Weight, 157 grains. (Soden .Smith Coll. 1 706. Gold ; slender hoop with shaped shoulders ; bezel an oval raised setting covered with a plate engraved with the monogram ilj3 : above, a cross, and below, foliate ornament. Plate XI, roiv i. Early i6t/i century. D. '82 in. Weight, 47 grains. 707. Goi.li; the hoop engraved on the shoulders with foliate designs: oval bezel with il)C in relief. Early 16 th century. D. 7 in. Weight, 27 grains. From Cambridge. 708. SilA'EK ; the shoulders nielloed ; oval bezel with the sacred monogram on a ground of niello within a foliate border. See figure. Italian, ijtk century. D. -84 in. 709. Another, similar. D. -82 in. 710. Silver : circular bezel with il)2( upon a hatched background. Italian, \^th century. D. '9 in. L. of bezel, '6 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 711. SilA'ER ; oval bezel on which is the sacred monogram in niello. 15/// century. D. •86in. 1854. Found in (lahvay. Io8 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 712. Gold ; legend on the hoop : + CIHST : HHHL : DG : (IhHSceTO SQV : HSPOSti : K IhHJSV QRISt. P/aU XI, rcKv 5. i$i/i ccuinry. D. '94 in. Weight. 77 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) A nun's ring. ' This is the ring of chastity. I am the spouse of Jesus Christ. ' Rings were from an early period given to novices on taking the veil to signify their espousal to Christ. Widows also took vows of chastity and wore a ring regarded as a token of similar espousal (Harrod in Arcftaeologia, xl, pt. 2, quoted by Jones, Fingcr-ritii; Lore, p. 241). 713. Gold .: high octagonal bezel set with a crystal over a piece of red cloth. On the outer side of the hoop, legend in relief: ijclp ptt UIlDf marid ijaut). German, i^tk century. D. 1-68 in. D. of bezel, -93 in. Weight, 280 grains. An old possession of the ^luseum. 714. Gold ; hoop expanding at shoulders into monsters' heads, supporting globe from which rises a high conical bezel with fluted sides and eight claws ; it contains a flat plate of gold rudelj" engraved in intaglio with three standing draped figures, of which the central is Our Lord. 12/// century. D. r2 in. Weight, 102 grains. Castellan! Coll. 1872. 715. Silver: plain hoop with ends overlapping at the back and engraved on the shoulders ; rectangular bezel with a cross in niello. i^th century. D. -84 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 716. Gold ; thick plain hoop engraved on the outer side with two scourges, beyond one of which is the crescent moon : small rectangular raised bezel engraved with a cross pattee. In the interior of the hoop is engiaved : »>CC ^icljacl. See figure. English, late i^th century. (&— ©^3) l||L.>-^o— ^^ gtt^ mtthafi D. -98 in. Weight, 97 grains. Given by the Friends of the British Museum. 1902. One shoulder is battered, and the representation of the sun, corresponding to the moon on the other side, has been obliterated. 717. Gold ; the bezel is engraved with the Vernicle surrounded by a legend. i^th century. D. •9in. Weight, 138 grains. Found at Geneva. The ring is much worn. RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL 109 718. Gold ; a massive broad band, engraved on llie outer side with Cliiist standing in the tomb ; tlic Cross and the Instruments of the Passion arc behind him, and the Five Wounds at intervals round tlic Iioop, that of the side being larger and by itself, the otlicrs of smaller size and in pairs. Between these subjects are engraved the descriptions of the Five Wounds, viz. %[)C tDCll of plttP, tl)C torll of merci, rljc tocll of coiifoit, fljc tucll of ffuacp, ffjc VocU of cVocrlaciriiiglj IjffC, the last next to the large wound, to which it applies. In the interior is_engravcd: dcHtilnccci qiiini| Dci gftiiir mctn'ciiui inti pia I cmr n passio 5En sunr mcliici'na miclji inspiu- incltljior luilrasac aiiaiti'jiipta tctca- ijciiinniiiron. Si-f figure. English, i^t/t century. D. ro6 in. Weight, 786 grains. Found at Coventry in 1S02, and known as the Coventry ring. Archaeolagia, xviii. 306 ; Cat. of the Special Exhibition . . . on loan at South Kensington, 1862, no. 7176 ; Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 191 1, p. 340. The Five Wounds of Our Lord were venerated in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries ; confraternities were formed in their honour, and they were sometimes represented on a shield, as J, %1ticU a^-UraLT"- fl^rlurU f or nnrr ^ lauinnli in the fragment of stained glass at Sidmouth Church (Proc. Soc. Ant., as above, p. 342). The great wound in the side was commonly described as the Well of Everlasting Life, and the other names are usually as here, though at Sidmouth Wisdom replaces Pity. (For the Great Wound Jtv W. Sparrow Simpson, On tlie measure of the wound in the side of the Redeemer, in Jo U7n. Brit. Arch. Assoc. .\.\x, p. 357.) For the mystical type of the Christ of Pity, unknown in the earlier Middle Ages, but frequent from the close of the fourteenth century, see E. Male, L'art religieux de la fin du moyen age en France, pp. 91 ff., and Proc. Soc. Ant., as above, p. 343- For the Instruments of the Passion, which had been placed on a shield from the beginning of the fourteenth century, see Male, as above, p. 97. Other rings with the Instruments of the Passion and the wounded hands and feet are in private possession in England : they are in a different style, and appear to be of rather later date than the present example. From a passage in the will of Sir John Shaw, alderman of London, dated 1487, it would appear that rings of this type may have been not uncommon (Notes and Queries, 9th series, xi, p. 30S : 1903). Few are likely to have been as massive as the present example, which, with no. 719, appears for the moment to be almost the sole representative of the class. A similar ring, stated to ha\ e been found in Surrey, was described by John Piggott, Esq., F.S.A., in Notes and Queries, 4th series, vol. x, p. 330: 1S72. For the names of the Three Kings in magic see no. 885, and for Ananizapta, no. 870. For Tetragrammaton, one of the ten names oiOoA,sec Py-oc. Soc. Ant., 1st series, iv, pp. 86 and 91 ; Arch, fount, xl, p. 317 ; Joiirn. Brit. Arch. Assoc, xi, pp. 317, 318. It was one of the most frequent and important of magical names of power from mediaeval times to those of Jacob Bohme. no CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 719. Gold ; a broad hoop engraved on the outer side in three equidistant places with the Five Wounds, one larger than the rest represented alone, the others in two pairs. To the right of the wounds are engraved religious subjects : near the large wound, the Trinity; near the others two representations of the Virgin 720 721, of cLUir »B.,-^-;oC Titt Ss.xt.Cl''' canfat %.A r V , lattvnft ♦■ :'- <' thv ibdl *ehM ''1 "t the mrtl "i-i Standing with the Child. In the interspaces is the legend: '(EljC Vucll of pitC rljrtocUof mcrci i rljctocUof conforrtljctodlof n:mrr | tljctocllof ctDcdafring: IrfF. Round the inside of the ring is an inscription in three lines, a small star separating each word from the next : Ctiliicfa qmnqiic tici 6iiiu iiiftiiriiui iiui pia cnir cr {.lassio vn sunt mctiicina mitlji iiiopar mclcior Imlrljajar nnanpnipta rcri'aamflton. Sec figure. Englisli, i^th century. D. '96 in. Weight, 136 grains. Cf. note on the preceding number. Gold ; the hoop engraved on the shoulders : the bezel cut into a trefoil containing a crystal of diamond. On one .shoulder is engraved the Virgin standing with the Child, on the other Thomas a Becket before an altar on which are a chalice, mitre, cross and candle : a sword pierces his head from above. Sec figure. English, \^th century. D. 1 in. Weight, 158 grains. Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 1st series, i, p. 165. For Thomas k Becket upon rings cf. Proc. Soc. Ant. xii, p. 55. Gold ; a broad band engraved on the outer side with figures of St. John the Baptist and St. Anthony, each standing upon the calix of a flower. Between them, a scallop-shell and a tau-cross. Within is the legend : A ■ A COMFORT ; a star after each letter. Sec figure. English, late i^th century. A-TX-a^O -yvVF -0 'R-T U. -86 in. Weight, 133 grains. Sloane Coll. 1763. The tau found on the shoulders of \arious signets (cf. nos. 528, 530, 532, and Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, 1st series, iv, p. 1S7) is an emblem of St. Anthony; the fonn, which is that of the Creek letter T, came to be associated with the crulch-Iike stick which he was RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL III thought to have cairicd as a swineherd ; but a mystical meaning attached to it from an early date, due to its resemblance to the cross. It was regarded as the mark which the man wearing a linen garment set upon the foreheads of the righteous in the Vision of Ezekiel (ix. 2 fF.), and it is so represented on Rhenish enamels of the twelfth century, an example of which is in the British Museum. Some of the rings bearing this emblem may have been worn by members of different orders of St. Anthony. This may have been the case with the gold ring of Richard Mayo, Bishop of Hereford, A. I). 1504-16 {Archacologia, xxxi, p. 251), which has a tau and bell on each shoulder. Insignia of the military order of the Knights of St. Anthony, instituted by Albert II, Duke of Bavaria and Emperor, before his proposed campaign against the Turks in A. l). 1382, included a gold collar in the form of a hermit's girdle, from which hung a T with a small bell attached (Proc. Soc. An/. London, vi, p. 53). Monuments show persons wearing mantles with the tau, e. g. Sir Roger dc Bois and his lady (C. A. Stothard, Monumental Effigies, p. 93). St. Anthony was regarded as the especial preserver against erysipelas (St. Anthony's fire) ; but he was also, like SS. Adrian, Sebastian, and Roch, invoked against the pest. His relics were preserved in the Church of St. Antoine de Vicnnois in Dauphine, whither they had been brought from Constantinople in the eleventh century. Possibly some of the rings bearing his effigy or the tau may commemorate visits to this famous place of pilgrimage (K. Male, Vart reliqieux- de la fin dii moyen Age, p. 195). As is well known, the tau form was used for episcopal staves in the Roman Church down to the twelfth century ; in the Greek Church it has been continuous from very early times, and was perhaps derived from the crutch used in support during long periods of standing. The following numbers, 722-69, belong to the class commonly known, from the decoration with figures of saints and religious subjects, as iconographic. They are English, and of the fifteenth century. They were originally enamelled, though in most cases all traces of this have disappeared: cf., however, no. 7,30 and Proc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, vi, 1876, p. 510. In the descriptions enamel is only mentioned where considerable traces remain. The principal colours seem to have been green, white, and black. There can be no doubt that a number of these rings, whatever their original purpose, u^ere used as betrothal or as love-rings, many being inscribed with legends which make this destination almost certain (e. g. nos. 735, 742). Other rings of the iconographic class bear the legend en bon an, which seems to indicate that they were presented as New Year's gifts (e.g. no. 761, and cf. nos. 473, 537, 940, 941). One discovered on the site of Lewes Priory, Sussex, bore this motto, the bezel being engraved with the patron saints of the house {Arcli. Journ. vii. 331). Others have been discovered at Attleborough and elsewhere {ibid. p. 323). For purposes of comparison it has been found more convenient to retain such examples in the present class than to .separate them from the rings with similar religious figures but without legend. The subjects most commonly found on iconographic rings are the Trinity, the Virgin and Child, St. John the Baptist, and saints especially venerated at the close of the Middle Ages, SS. Christopher, George, Margaret, Catharine, and Barbara. St. George would naturally be found on English rings ; St. Catharine, as the patron saint of young girls, would also be frequently represented. 112 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS St. Christopher and St. Barbara owe their great popularity to the belief that they protected from sudden death. (Cf. E. Male, L'ari religicuxde la fin dii moycn age, p. 191.) 722. Gold ; the hoop spirally fluted and engraved on the shoulders with sprigs and the words loial Dcdir : he.xagonal bezel engraved with the Trinity. D. '74 in. L. of bezeh '42 in. Weight, 55 grains. 1S93. Found near Southampton. Cf. a ring in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 693-71'). 723. Gold ; the hoop has at the back a raised disk, the rest being imbricated ; near the bezel are engraved flowers. Oval bezel engraved with the Trinity. D. "S6 in. D. of bezel, "4 in. Weight, 97 grains. 724. Gold ; hoop engraved on the shoulders : + J trtlfit III C5otl ; stars between the words. Oval bezel, engraved with the \'irgin and Child within a glor}-, the Virgin holding a lily in her left hand. D. '9 in. L. of bezel, -6 in. Weight, SS grains. Found on the site of Liverpool St. Station, London. 725. Gold; the wreathed hoop with legend: ^OIl ftl|CC ' (a*tic;, with foliate ornament. Oblong bezel engraved with the \'irgin with the Child beneath a canopy. In the interior, legend : CaiK Dec P parrir, the final letters floriated. See figure. D. 76 in. L. of bezel, '4 in. Weight, 65 grains. This is one of the rather numerous rings mentioned in the pre\nous note (p. ill) which, while devotional in subject, may have been used as love-rings. The legend : Sans dcpariir (lit., " without distributing ' ; sense, ' all my love is yours') is frequently employed as a love motto. Thus it is found on a silver brooch from the Tower of London with the equally common words mon casur avez (Arch. Journ. vs., p. 116) ; and on the ring no. 978 below in conjunction with the words a nul autre (ibid, v, p. 160). Cf. nos. 728, 736, 978, and Norwich Castle Museum. Catalogue, 1909, no. 997. Mon cceur ave: is a frequent motto on love-rings. Cf. nos. 742, 752, 1009, and the signet no. 55S. 726. Gold ; oval bezel engraved with a standing figure of St. John the Baptist carrying the lamb. English, i^fh ccuinry. D. "8 in. L. of bezel, -25 in. Weight. 31 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 727. Gold ; once enamelled ; the outer side of the hoop forms a series of lozenges. Rectangular bezel the dragon. engraved with St. George standing with shield and lance over RKI.ir.IOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL II3 n. 84 in. D.ofbczol, 5 in. Weight, 61 grains. 1855. (Ijernal Coll.) .Said to have been found in the Thames. For rings with St. George cf. Proc. Soc. Ant. I.midon, xvii, p. 29. 728. Gold ; once enanielled ; on the hoop the legend : Oai\£( DC pai'tll" between lozenges. Oval bezel with St. Christopher carrying the infant Chri.st. D. 'Si in. L. of bezel, '5 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1871. Cf. no. 725. 729. Gold ; the hoop \\ reathed and engraved upon the .shoulders with flowers and legend : aillltrc(?) lUCH. Rectangular bezel with St. Johii carrying the lamb, or St. Cin-istopher. D. '82 in. L. of bezel, '42 in. Weight, 70 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) For a ring with St. Christopher and legend : mil aiiltrc, cf. Pruc. Soc. Ant. Loudon, iii, p. 269. 730. Gold ; on the shoulders the legend : DC liOIl CUCr, with interspersed flowers and sprays. Rectangular bezel with St. John the Baptist carrying the lamb. D. '84 in. L. of bezel, '45 in. Weight, 69 grains. Cf. nos. 767, 939, and ring found near York, Arch. Joiirn. xxi, p. 91, in the Watcrton Collection. 731. Gold; wreathed hoop with legend: De I'OCII ClICl', and interspersed foliate ornament. Rectangular bezel with St. John the Baptist carrying the lamb, the ground formerly enamelled. See figure. D. -86 in. D. of bezel, 43 in. Weight, 95 grains. Given by John C. Rose, Esq., 1910. For the inscription cf. nos. 730, 732, and a ring in the Victoria and .Mbert Museum (no. 692-'7i). 732. Gold ; the outer side of the hoop forms a series of lozenges, each with a single letter of the legend : tlC IlOCIl COCr. Rectangular bezel engraved with St. Christopher carr\ing the Child on his shoulder ; at each end, rays. D. 76 in. L. of bezel, "4 in. Weight, 50 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) 733- Gold ; the outer side of hoop is wreathed and engraved with the letters of an indeterminate legend, and with leaves. Rectangular bezel with the standing figure of a female saint (St. Barbara ?). D. 8 in. L. of bezel, '5 in. Weight, 53 grains. Found in 1880 on the banks of the Frome, Bristol, on the site of Messrs. Fry's works. J 114 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 734. Gold ; hoop fluted at the back ; imbricated shoulders. Oblong bezel engraved with a standing figure of St. Barbara, with tower in her right hand. D. '66 in. L. of bezel, '4 in. Weight, 38 grains. A small ring, either a child's ring or worn on the second joint of the finger. St. Barbara carries a diminutive tower because a tower was the cause of her mart>Tdom. The legend relates that her father built a tower in which to imprison her, and that, seeing two windows only, she in his absence ordered a third to be added that the three might symbolize the Trinity. On his return he was so enraged that he struck off her head. 735. Silver gilt : wreathed hoop, ridged and pearled ; the shoulders engraved with floral designs. Oblong bezel engraved with a standing figure of St. Barbara (?). D. of hoop, 78 in. L. of bezel, "54 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 736. Gold ; the hoop spirally channelled, the shoulders engraved with flowers and the legend : ^anS DC pflmcC. Bezel engraved with a figure of St. Margaret rising from the back of the dragon and holding a cross. D. 76 in. L. of bezel, '5 in. Weight, 59 grains. For the inscription s^e no. 725. 737. Gold ; shoulders engraved : rectangular bezel with figure of St. Catharine crowned, and holding wheel and sword. D.'Sin. L. of bezel, '48 in. Weight, 29 grains. 738. Gold ; hollow hoop, with letters of a defaced legend upon a band of lozenges. Oval bezel engraved with a standing figure of St. Catharine, holding the wheel in her left hand and a sword in her right. D. -94 in. L. of bezel, "4 in. Weight, 71 grains. 739. Gold ; the shoulders chased with foliate ornament. Oval bezel engraved with a figure of St. Catharine standing with wheel and sword. D. 'Sa in. L. of bezel, -4 in. Weight, 70 grains. 740. Gold ; cabled hoop ; rectangular bezel revolving on a swivel, engraved on one side with a standing figure of St. John the Baptist carrj-ing the lamb, on the other a female saint (St. Margaret ?) crowned and holding a long cross. D. -92 in. L. of bezel, '45 in. Weight, 133 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 741. Gold ; at the back, legend : SanS * fPH : on the shoulders flowers. The bezel is ridged, with two concave panels, one engraved with St. John the Baptist carrying the lamb, the other with St. John the Evangelist holding a chalice. D. "9 in. L. of bezel, -47 in. Weight, 103 grains. The inscription is usually joje sans fin (cf. nos. 924-7) : the words might be construed in either a religious or a secular sense (cf. no. 760). RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL II5 742. Gill II : wreathed hoop engraved on the shoulders with flowers and legend : four IJlOll I tllCl' iltlCJ. Rectangular bezel engraved with standing figures of St. Margaret (?) holding a long ^^ cross, and St. Christopher. --•-P^^ Sec figure. — ^ ^^;^i:^ ^!^^^^ D. '84 in. L. of bezel, '4 in. Weight, 71 grains. 1854. Arch.Journ. xi, p. 187. A similar inscription is frequent on love-rings (cf nos. 558, 725. 752, IC09). 743. Gold ; the shoulders engraved with sprays of flowers. Ridged bezel engraved on one face with the half-figure of Our Lord in the tomb, on the other with the Virgin or a female saint. D. '92 in. L. of bezel, -4 in. Weight, 56 grains. For the figure of Our Lord cf no. 718. 744. Gold ; wreathed hoop pearled and ridged ; on the shoulders flowers. Ridged bezel engraved on one face with the Trinity, on the other with St. Catharine. D. -96 in. L. of bezel, '44 in. Weight, 106 grains. From Alresford, Hants. 745. Gold ; cable hoop ; the shoulders channelled and engraved with flowers. Ridged bezel engraved on one face with the Angel of the Annunciation, on the other with the Virgin. D. '92 in. L. of bezel, '4 in. Weight, 78 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) For the .-Annunciation on similar rings cf Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 2nd series, iv, p. 2S4. 746. Gold ; half of a ring cut as a gimmcl. The exterior of the hoop is of cable design, and each shoulder is engraved with flowers. The half of the ridged bezel is engraved with the Angel of the Annunciation. On the surface (concealed when the two halves were together) is engraved : tl\ bOIl. Two projections on the edge of the hoop served to fasten the halves together. D. '96 in. L. of bezel, "44 in. Weight, 19 grains. The other half of the ring must have had the Virgin, and the word nil, completing the legend : en bon an. For this motto see note preceding no. 722. Cf nos. 423, 527, 940, 941. The saine motto, which may indicate a New Year's gift, is found on the ring of John Stanbery, Bishop of Hereford, who died .-v. D. 1474 (Archaeologia, xxxi, p. 249). 747. Gold ; wreathed hoop, ridged and pearled ; the shoulders engraved with flowers. Ridged bezel engraved on one face with the Virgin and Child, on the other with St. George on foot, transfi.King the dragon with a spear. In the interior the legend : pcf bon amOU. D. '92 in. L. of bezel, '47 in. Weight, 112 grains. This is another common motto. It is found on an iconographic ring from Dallinghoe, Suffolk {Arch. Jonrn. xvii, p. 1S3). Cf also no. 758. I 3 ii6 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 748. Gold ; the hoop ornamented with zigzag pearled bands, the channels between engraved with flowers slill partially filled with green and white enamel. Ridged bezel engraved on one face with St. George, on the other with St. Christopher ; both ha%'e remains of black enamel. Plate XI. D. "9 in. L. of bezel, "44 in. Weight, 105 grains. Sloane Coll. 1753. 749. Gold ; wreathed hoop, ridged and pearled : the shoulders engraved with flowers and rays. Ridged bezel engraved on one face with St. Margaret holding a long cross and standing on the dragon, on the other with St. Catharine. D. "92 in. L. of bezel, "54 in. Weight, 100 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 750. Silver ; similar hoop, the shoulders rudely engraved with flowers, still partly filled with green enamel. Ridged bezel rudely en- graved with two saints enamelled in black. See figure. D. I '06 in. L. of bezel, '52 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found on the site of Garendon .-\bbey, Leicestershire. 751. Silver : similar hoop, the shoulders engraved with flowers. Ridged bezel rudely engraved with figures of St. John the Baptist (?) and miother saint. D. '86 in. L. of bezel, •; in. 752- 753. Gold ; similar hoop and bezel, the latter engraved with figures of St. Margaret holding a long cross and standing above the monster, and St. Barbara holding the tower. In the interior the legend : mon COr ateg. in. L. of bezel, '4 in. Weight, 78 grains. 1S91. Treasure trove, Fressingtield, D. ■:;2 Suffolk. For the inscription cf nos. 558. 725. 742. Silver gilt ; the hoop wreathed at the back ; the shoul- ders rudely engraved with sprigs. Ridged bezel engraved with a male and a female saint. See figure. D. -94 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in a gravel-pit at Chesterford, Essex. RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL 117 754. Silver ; similar type ; the bezel rudely engraved witli two sainl^s. I). '84 in. L. of bezel, '46 in. (Braybrooke Coll. I Found in 1S60 at Leiston Abbey, Sa.\mundhani. 755- SiL\ KK ciLT ; tiie hoop has on each shoulder a flat panel engraved with a conventional design. Ridged bezel rudely engraved with two saints. D. I in. (Hailstone Coll.) 756. Silver gilt ; similar hoop, engraved on the shoulders with bands of zigzag. The bezel has two vertical panels side by side, each rudely engraved with the standing figure of a female saint. Plate XI. D. -86 in. 757. Gold : wreathed hoop, pearled and ridged ; the shoulders are channelled and engraved with flowers. Bezel with three concave panels engraved with standing figures of the Virgin and Child, St. Christopher, and St. 15arbara or St. Margaret. Inside the hoop, the legend : IjonnOUC Ct lOJC- Plate XI. D. "96 in. Weight, 130 grains. 1871. Found at Norwich. Arch.Journ. xvii, p. 182. The same inscription is found on the ring of Archbishop Bowet of York, 1407-23 (Archaeohgia, xlv, p. 404). Cf. Ptvc. Soc. Antiquaries of London, iv, 1867, p. 16. 758. Gold; hoop of similar type. Bezel with three concave panels rudelj- engraved with three standing figures of saints, two of whom are female. In the ^^ -^^-^rr-^ ^^ ^^S^^^^^^^^^^ interior is engraved : poC IiOll aUlOlir. See figure. D. '9 in. Weight, iii grains. 1871. Found at Dallinghoe, Suffolk. Arch. Joiirn. xvii, p. 182. For the inscription cf no. 747. 759. Gold ; hoop of similar type, but the wreathing angular in four places ; bezel with three panels en- graved with standing "^^^S^S?S^^^^^^^^^''^i^^^^S?W^ figures of St. Chris- iTTTrtoVn^^ . , i v.-vl 6 g« )l^a^~ay^i;^^^^a_;^ y^ ; ::rr VAiSss topher, St. Barbara, ^ and St. Catharine (?). ttT tfltt Itmr Inside the hoop the legend: en liOll COr. Sec figure. D. '9 in. Weight, 134 grains. 1900. Found at St. C.ennys, near Dude, Cornwall. 760. Gold ; wreathed hoop, pearled and ridged, shoulders engraved with flowers : bezel rudely engraved with three saints. \\'ithin the hoop is the legend : [Opc jSflnj £pu, with stars between the words. D. "9 in. Weight, 109 grains. Roach Smith Coll. 1S56. Found in London. For the motto cf nos. 741. 924. ii8 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RIN-GS 761. Gth century. D. -82 in. D. of bezel, -38 in. Cf. no. 2045. 775- Gold ; bezel, which is protected by glass, has an eye in pink enamel, the pupil being formed of the Lord's Prayer in minute characters. English, ^%th century. D. 78 in. L. of bezel. -54 in. Weight, 29 grains. 1897. 776. Silver gilt ; convex hoop with dots closely set in diagonal lines, and two oval panels, one engraved with a cross resting on a mount, the other with the Virgin and Child. 1 6/// century. D. "97 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 777. Gold ; broad hoop channelled at the back, the shoulders moulded. The bezel is a pierced disk with the Crucifi.xion between the Virgin and St. John ; pearled border. Plate Kl. Early \6tk century. D. ro4 in. D. of bezel, -54 in. Weight, 235 grains. 778. Ivory .signet ; circular bezel engraved with the Cruci- fixion between the Virgin and St. John; legend: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES. See figure. i6tk century. D."92in. D. of bezel, '6 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in Suffolk ; cf. a gold signet with the same device found at Warkton, near Kettering {Arc/t. Journal, iii. 335). The hoop has been restored at the back. 778a. Silver; engraved shoulders, much worn; oval bezel engraved with I H S, the cross and the three nails; round the border: GIRGI^IMG GODO. Italian, \6th century. D. ri4 in. L. of bezel, 7 in. 779. Gold ; very slender hoop ; bezel an oval setting protected bj- glass, containing, upon a dark ground, the Crucifixion between the two thieves, with the Virgin and St. John in relief, in gold on a dark ground. The lower side of the bezel has in the middle I A S in dark enamel within a foliate border reserved upon a ground of similar enamel. \'/tli century. D. -98 in. L. of bezel, '4 in. Weight, 40 grains. RF.r.IGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL 121 780. Gdi.I) ; slender hoop ; the bezel a shallow rcctan<^iil.ir settiiiff conlainiiif^ a figure of Our Lord crucified, antl legend: (PitJC 3ic3tl0 in white enamel on a dark ground. 11 th century. D. g in. L. of bezel, "36 in. Weight, 20 grains. t 781. SnA'i'.R, once gilt ; the bezel formed of pierced scrolls divided by a cross bearing a figure of Our Lord ; the rest of the hoop is wreathed. 5^r figure, i^t It century. I). '9 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1S65. This type somewhat recalls that of Martin Luther's betrothal-ring at Leipsic, which has on the shoulders the Crucifix and Instruments of the Passion, and is reproduced in various late examples. Cf. J. Szendrci, Catalogue de la Collection de bai^ites . . de Madame G. de Tariioczy, p. 344. 782. Gold ; the hoop roughened to simulate bark ; upon one side is applied a figure of Our Lord crucified with the skull of Adam beneath his feet. Rays issue from the angles of the cross, above which is a titnlns engraved with INRL 1 '^tli century. D. I in. Weight, 96 grains. 783. Gold : oval bezel engraved with a mounted St. George piercing the dragon, the princess kneeling behind him. English, \6th century. D. '82 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1S71. Cf. no. 727. 784. Copper oil t ; the shoulders have con\entional floral desigus in relief; the oval bezel contains an Agnus Dei, painted in colours, under glass. \6th century. D. '9 in. L. of bezel, '8 in. 785. Gold ; on the shoulders foliate designs reserved on a ground of black enamel. Octagonal bezel containing an enamel painted in colours with the Virgin and Child : legend : '^S.KXA l5llfF. Plate XL Late \~tli century. D. 72 in. L. of bezel, '34 in. Weight, 19 grains. The enamel is German. The ornament of the hoop resembles that of English mourning-rings of the same period. 786. Gi iLD : slender hoop and large oval bezel with a half- figure of a saint in relief in gold upon a black ground. The saint is in prayer before a crucifix, at the foot of which rests an oval medallion with a half-figure of the Virgin. \%th century. I). I in. Weight, iio grains. 122 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 787. Bronze signet ; hoop of triangular section, engraved and chased with floral and geometrical designs ; pointed oval bezel with a gold plate in which is inlaid an octagonal sard engraved in intaglio with a figure of St. John Nepomuk, standing upon a bridge in ecclesiastical vestments, holding a cross in one hand and an indeterminate object in the other ; below his feet are the letters I. B. F. P, and round the oval cavity in which the figure is cut is a border of stars. 19/// century. D. I-I2 in. St. John Nepomuk, Canon of Prague, was martyred by being flung from a bridge into the Moldau. His statues are therefore usually found on bridges. A miraculous light is said to have surrounded his body, indicated in art by the stars surrounding his head and figure. ( Cf. C. Cahier, Caracieristiques lies Saints, pp. 390, 699.) Nos. 788-810 belong to the class known as decade-rings because they usually have ten projections, the fingers passing from one to the other during the recital of prayers ; their use is therefore analogous to that of the rosary. They are said to have been known as early as the fourteenth century, but existing specimens are generally of the sixteenth century or later. 788. Gold ; with ten projections ; high bezel engraved with the arms of Tichborne : vair. a chief or. Inside the hoop the legend: SDlffnarC mc Eau&arC rc DirffO »>flcrata. Plate XL D. -94 in. D. of bezel, -32 in. Weight, 124 grains. 1871. Found at Xetley .Abbey, Hampshire. 789. Silver ; ten projections ; oval bezel engraved with the arms of Crane (?) : on a fess between three crosses pattee as many annulets. Plate XI. D. i'2 in. 790. Bronze ; ten projections ; circular bezel containing a Crucifixion between the Virgin and St. John embossed in silver under glass. D. of hoop, I in. D. of bezel, '46 in. 791. Silver ; ten projections : oval bezel with a crucifix in low relief D. ri in. L. of bezel, -36 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 792. Silver ; ten projections ; the bezel in the form of a projecting cross on three steps, engraved with a figure of the crucified Saviour. Plate XI. \'th century. D. 17 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL 123 793. Silver ; similar, but of thinner metal ; no figure on the cross, but a stamp witli letter F (?). 1). r66 in. (Octaviiis Morgan Coll.) 794. Sn A'LK ; ten projections; with projecting oval bezel engraved with a Latin cross. See figure. V. ri6 in. L. of bezel, '32 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 795. Silver ; ten projections engraved with whorls ; high oval bezel with a cross in low relief upon a hatched ground. D. r2 in. L. of bezel, '4 in. {.Soden Smith Coll.) 796. Another ; of the same design. D. r2 in. Durden Coll. 1S93. Found on Damory Farm, near Blandford. 797. Another ; similar. D. r2 in. 798. Silver ; ten projections ; bezel an applied square plaque engraved with a St. Andrew's cross. U. of hoop, '83 in. L. of bezel, "21 in. 799. Silver ; ten projections ; conical bezel engraved with I H S surmounted by a cross ; below, three nails. I yf/i century. D. 1-36 in. Decades with this device are in the Norwich Castle Museum, Catalogue, 1909, no. 1052, &c. 800. Silver ; ten projections ; circular bezel with the same device as the last. I'tJi century. D. 1-4 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 124 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 8oi. Silver : ten projections : the bezel is heart-shaped, engraved with sacred monogram I H S surmounted by a cross. Sa' figure. D. of hoop. riS in. L. of bezeJ, '43 in. (Braybrooke CoU.i 802. Silver ; high projecting bezel engraved with the same device surmounted by a cross. D. of hoop, 104 in. L. of bezel, '2y in. (Octavius Morgan CoU.i 803. Copper gilt : ten projections ; oval bezel with the same device. D. of hoop, "92 in. L. of bezel, "33 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 804. Silver ; ten projections ; circular bezel engraved with a crowned monogram rl\A. above a heart. D. of hoop. 1-24 in. D. of bezel, '43 in. (Soden Smith Coll.j 805. Bras.-; ; oval bezel engraved with a figure of St. Christopher (?i leaning on a staff. D. of hoop, •88 in. L of bezel. -54 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 806. Brass ; oval bezel on which is engraved a bust of the \'irgin in glorj-. D. of hoop, "99 in. L. of bezel, '49 in. Obtained in Verona in 1874 807. Bronze ; covered on the outer side with white enamel, on which are ten projections of dark blue glass ; bezel in the form of a skull, also enamelled. D. 1-3 in. 808. SlL\ er ; ten bosses with pellets between ; a larger eleventh boss ser\'es as a bezel. See figure. D. of hoop, -98 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 809. Bronze ; similar, but without the pellets between the bosses. D. "9 in. Sloane CoU. 1 753. 810. Bronze ; the hoop has eleven bosses of equal size. D. -98 in. 1865. Perhaps a decade-ring. KF.I.IGIOUS AND F.CCI.F.SIASTICAL •25 Nos. Hii-y are Mcinciito Mori rini,'s (cf. n«.ft. i448--,3). 811, Gold ; enamelled and set with jewels ; the bezel is in the foiin of a clasped book, having on the upper side a skull in white enamel between four stones (sapphire, ruby, emerald, and diamond), and two toads and two snakes enamelled in green ; the under side is engraved and enamelled with conven- tional designs in trans- lucent red, blue, and green. Inside the book, on a separate plate of gold, is a white enamelled recum- bent figure with skull and hour-glass, on a green ground ; and on the under side of the cover is a legend in black enamel : SI VE VI VIM^ SI VE | MORIMVR DOMINI SVM' COMMEND A DOMINO -VIAM TVAM • ET • SPERA I N ' E VM • ET • I PSE FACIEI (Rom. xiv. 8 ; Psalm xxxvii. 5). On the shoulders two groups in enamel : the Fall, and the Expulsion from Eden. The back of the hoop in the form of hands clasping a heart, enamelled. .SVi" figure. German, \(ith century. D. r2 in. Weight, 230 grains. W'addesdon Bequest, 189S. (Bernal Coll.) C. H. Read, The W'addesdoti Bequest, VVorlcs of Art, .Sic., no. 199. This ring is also 2.fede; cf. nos. 1002 ff. 812. Gold ; the shoulders and sides of the bezel ornamented with conventional floral designs reserved on a ground of black enamel ; oval bezel set with a cameo skull in onyx. Plate XXI. \6ih century. D. I 04 in. Weight, 133 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) This ring, like the succeeding numbers, may have been used as a mourning-ring. 813. Gold ; the shoulders chased with arabesques. The bezel is flat and hexagonal with incurved sides, containing an oval plate revolving on a swivel ; the plate has on one side a skull in white enamel, on the other a merchant's mark flanked by the initials R E. Legend on bezel : + MORS BONI S GRATA. Plate XXI. English, \6t/i century. D. fi in. L. of bezel, -68 in. Weight, 297 grains. 1S71. Found at Banstead, Surrey, in 1870. There are traces of green enamel upon the shoulders. The hoop has been pressed out of shape at the back. F~or the form cf. rings in the Victoria and .-Mbert Museum (nos. 13-1S88 and 920 'y\). 126 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 814. Gold ; the hexagonal bezel has an oval cavity, once containing a death's- head. Legend: DEATH • SY • MYN + ERITAG : angular shoulders, ornamented with scrolls in relief. The meaning is : Dealh is my heritage. Plate XXI. Late \6tfi century. D. 98 in. Weight, 140 grains. 815. Gold ; slender hoop scrolled at the shoulders, where it has been enamelled. Hexagonal bezel with incur%-ed sides, having in the centre a skull enamelled in white ; surrounding legend: + DYE TO LINE. In the angles of the hexagon are engraved trefoils. 5f^ figure, \-jth century. D. "98 in. L. of bezel, "j in. Weight, 109 grains. ( Braybrooke CoU.) The same inscription is found on a ring in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 920-71). 816. Gold ; the shoulders with scrolls filled with green, blue^ and white enamel ; quatrefoil bezel, in the centre of which is a skull in white and black enamel; legend: + MEMENTO MORI. EnglisJi, \-jth century. D. '9 in. L. of bezel, 7 in. Weight, 163 grains. Sloane Coll. 1753. Found at Canterburj-. On the back of the bezel is a goldsmith's mark, an H within a shield. 817. Gold ; similar ring with the same design and legend ; shoulders partially enamelled in black and white. English, 'i'th century. D. '82 in. L. of bezel, "65 in. Weight, 78 grains. Sloane Coll. 1753. Found at Canterbury. The ring is much worn, and the details of the skull are indistinguishable. 818. Gold : the shoulders scrolled and once enamelled ; bezel with four lobes between which are small triangular projections : it has in the centre a skull in white and black enamel ; round it the legend : MEMENTO MORI, enamelled in black. English, early \-th century. D. •86 in. L. of bezel, '6 in. Weight, 122 grains. 819. Bronze ; the shoulders scrolled ; quatrefoil bezel, engraved with a death's - head ; legend in margin : MEMENTO MORI. See figure. English, i-jth century. D. of hoop, '84 in. L. of bezel. '65 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) RELIGIOUS AND IXCLESIASTICAL 127 820. Gold ; oval bezel witli a skull in w hitc enamel within a black enamel border ; surrounding legend : ^ MEMENTO MORI, formerly cnaniellcd in black. Eftglislt, \-jth century. D. '8 in. Weight, 103 grains. 821. Gold signet ; oval bezel engraved with a death's-head ; beneath it the letters l-P; around, the legend : MEMENTO MORI. Plate XXI. Ei/glis/i, curly i-;th century. D. "98 in. Weight, 200 grains. 822. Gold; circular bezel engraved with a death'.s-head ; legend; MEMENTO MORI. English, about A. U. 1600. D. 79 in. Weight, 80 grains. 823. Gold signet ; octagonal bezel engraved with a skeleton standing between two growing flowers, and holding a dart and hour-glass ; cable border. Plate XXI. English, \'/th century. D. of hoop, '9 in. L. of bezel, 72 in. Weight, 143 grains. 824. Silver ; the hoop and back of bezel en- riched with nielloed floral ornament ; oval bezel set with an oriental garnet engraved in intaglio with a skeleton, standing with a scythe. See figure. Caucasian (?), i "jth century. D. of hoop, 'Si in. L. of bezel, '62 in. (Bray- brooke Coll.) The projection at the back of the hoop suggests an oriental influence. 825. Gold ; the shoulders ornainented with pierced or flaming hearts, a scythe and hour-glass, and an open and a closed book, all enamelled, for the most part in white. The bezel is a skull resting upon cross-bones, similarly enamelled. In the interior the legend: MEMENTO MORI. Plate XX\. \-th century. D. '98 in. Weight, 51 grains. 128 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RIXGS 826. GuLD ; slender hoop, the shoulders and back of the bezel enamelled in black and translucent green. The bezel, which is lobed, has a lid representing an open flower set with diamonds ; when opened it displays an enamelled skull, the interior having blue enamel, and the inner side of the lid a seeded rose in pale blue, with a border of the same colour. Early ijih century. D. I '04 in. Weight, III grains. 826a. Silver ; slender hoop having on each shoulder a recumbent figure in relief. The bezel is in the form of a deaths-head pierced at the top. 1 7/// century. D. 1-66 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 827. Iron signet, lined with brass ; the shoulders have chased scrolls ; octagonal bezel engraved with a skull and cross-bones. Y'jth century. D. i'o6 in. L. of bezel, "64 in. 828. Irox ; broad hoop rounded on the outer side ; high projecting bezel in the form of a skull. 17/// century. D. 1-62 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 829. Iron ; the hoop imbricated ; projecting bezel, one side representing a woman's head, the other a skull. \']th century. D. -84 in. 830. Gold ; the shoulders enamelled with tulip-like flowers, much of the enamel lost. The bezel, also once enamelled in white, represents on one side a woman's head, on the other a grinning skull ; at the top is a diamond in an oval setting. 5^^ figure. Late \~th century. D. "92 in. Weight, 36 grains. 831. Gold : slender hoop with on each shoulder a ruby in a circular setting. The bezel is in the form of a skull and cross-bones, enamelled in white, diamonds being set in the eyes. x8M century. D. "Sa in. Weight. 26 grains. iOcta\ius .Morgan Coll.) RELIGIOUS AND ECCLESIASTICAL I29 II. Ecclesiastical. {a) Papal. {Chiefly (iatiiij; from the i^^th ceiituiy) The purpose of these rings is not certain ; they were perliaps used as emblems of investiture or as credentials. They are always of small intrinsic value, made of gilt copper or bronze, and set with stones of little worth or with glass pastes over foil. Some are extremely massive, no. 860 weighing no less than 12 oz. avoirdupois. They usually bear the names or arms of popes and cardinals, the triple tiara, crossed keys, cardinal's hat, or mitre ; those with names or emblems of reigning popes often bear, in addition, the emblems of the Evangelists. Many of the following rings from the Octavius Morgan Bequest were exhibited at the Ironmongers' Hall in i-. The words Icsus ante?/! transiens, &c. (Luke iv. 30) were very generally used as a charm against dangers of travel by sea and land, more especially against attack by robbers. MandeviUe, ch. x, says : and therefore seyen some men when thei dreden them of ihefes on any •way, or of enemyes, Jesus autem S^c, in tokene and myndc thai our Lord passed through oute of the /elves' crueliie and scaped safely fro hem. Edward III used the text in the legend of the gold noble struck to commemorate his escape in the naval battle off Sluys {see C. W. King, Arch. Journ. xxvi. p. 2311. For examples of rings with this formula cf. nos. 231, 339, 895, and see Proc. Soc. Ant. London, Lx. p. 97 : Arch, fotirn. xxv, p. 67 : Pichon ColL, Sale Catalogue, 1897, no. 66. 878. Gold ; flat hoop thickening towards a pyramidal bezel set with a crystal of diamond ; on the outside of the hoop, legend reserved in the metal : I6X21S KaTfc'ft TRHHSienS PeR I leOiaUfi ILLOR ; rosettes between the words. Plate W. Italian, 14/// century. D. '98 in. Weight, 90 grains. 879. Gold; legend on outer side of hoop : -I- "^.t^W^ mxmx rrailSl(cnS) ; raised oval bezel with four claws containing a hexagonal garnet. Plate XV, and sec figure. i±th century. %f . , D. vox in. L. of bezel, "42 in. y Weight, 45 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. The ring may be older than the inscription ; but black letter is found on other Italian rings of the 14th cenlur>' (cf. no. 229), as well as upon personal ornaments of Italian workmanship found at Chalcis in Euboea {Archacologia. Ixi. p. 397-8). AMULET-RINGS 139 880. White mktai., cut ; hoop convex on the outer side with cable edges. On the exterior, the legend : Hh Ifl!SV;S. \^th century. 1). of hoop, r2j in. This may be simply a devotional ring, but the use of Our Lord's name as a ' Name of power' may justify its insertion in the present place. It occurs alone in magic sigils. e. g. in the British Museum Add. MS. 25,311. 881. SlLVF.K ; legend reserved upon a hatched RHX IVDfr. 14/// century- nound : * IhQSVS ttK2KRajaVS D. "9 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) lesus Nasnrenus Rex JiidiU-ontiii or lesits Na^arenus is very common upon mediaeval rings, brooches, and other objects. (Cf. Arch. Journ.y'n, p. 195 ; xi, p. 80, 2S5 ; xvii, p. 166 ; xx, p. 201 ; Journ. Brit. Arch. Assoc, ix, p. 74 ; xiv, p. 342 ; Proc. Soc. Ant. London, xi, p. 79.) It occurs in MS. collections of charms in positions where its magical intention is beyond dispute, e. g. in the IJber Maioris Voluminis Secrctorum in the Chapter Library at Canterbury. Here it forms part of the charm against spasms noticed elsewhere (no. S66). 882. Silver ; legend : * 31!)C 6't'^ figme. \^th century. D. I '02 in. (Braybrooke Col- lection.) Found during railway excavations at Colchester in 184S. SM'^MrTEJ^nri^ 883. Bronze ; broad flat hoop divided horizontally into two tiands bearing a raised legend : meSVS + RKZRHRVS * RQX in irregular Lombardic capital.s. The bezel is an applied quatrefoil. 15//^ centnry. D. of hoop, -88 in. From Ixworth, Sufibllc. 884. Bronze ; thin hoop with a worn inscription in relief, probably Iliesus Nazarcmis Rex; the bezel an applied quatrefoil. See figure. 1 5/// century. D. '97 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) From the Thames. Yfyn n !^v< ::^i ^^^/l i r j ^xr^; m^.m^{ 140 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 885. Gold: legend: Jaspcr.niclcljior. tialracfar . Ill pO 10 ar. Plate X\'. 15/// century. D. -gin. Weight, SS grains. (Londesborough CoU.) The names of the Magi, or Three Kings, do not occur in the Canonical or Apocrj-phal Gospels ; it has been suggested that they may be of Mithraic origin, and that they may be borrowed from titles of Mithras as " the ^^^lite One ''. ' the King of Light ', ' the Lord of Treasures' (C. NV. King, Arch. Joum. xxW, p. 234 >. They were supposed to be of especial eificacy against falling sickness, though the Stockholm MS. {see under no. 866) includes them in a long charm against fever {ArchcuolcgicL, xxx, p. 400). The Lilium Medicinae of Bernard of Gordon (late 13th cent.) contains the following passage : ' Si aliquis est in paroxismo. Si ponat os supra aurem patientis et dicat ter istos tres versus procul dubio statim surgit : Caspar fert mirraiit, thus Melchior, Baldasar aurum : Haec tria qui secum portabit nomina regum Soh'itur a morbo, Christi pietate, caduco. yMagistri Berjiardi de Gordonio Lilium Medicituu, Pt. II, ch. xxv, De Epilepsia : Lugduni, i486. Quoted by E. Le Blant, Re7: Arch., 1892, Pt. I, p. 60.) The first of the three verses has remained in use in Europe down to modem times (ibid.1. The names of the Kings are common on mediaeval ornaments, and through the celebrity of the relics of the Three Kings at Cologne outlived most magical formulae, and they are mentioned by Sir Thomas Bronue in his Vulgar Errors, Book v, ch. viii. For instances of their use in comparatively recent times see Joum. Brit. Arch. Assoc, xxx, p. 370. They are inscribed on the Glenlyon brooch in the British Museum (Pennant, Tour in Scotland, i, p. 103). For mediae\-a! examples of rings, &c., with the names sec Arch. Joum. vii, p. 333 ; iii, p. 77 ; XV, p. 274 ; Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 2nd series, iv, p. 519 ; viii, p. 332 ; six, p. 264 ; Journ. Brit. Arch. Assoc, xviii, p. 84 ; xxxTi, p. Id ; Xotcs and Queries, 3rd series, x, 1S66, p. 8 ; C. Roach Smith, Collectanea Antiqua, i, p. 120; ii, p. 50: Catalogut of the Ironmongers' Exhibition, p. 4S5. 886. Br.ass ; hoop of triangular section engraved on the outer faces with legend : * I?JSP,K BKLTaZ Jl meLQIOR. 15/A century. D. of hoop, "Ss in. 887. Silver gilt ; hoop with inscription on the outer side in letters reser\-ed in the metal : IS^PSR * BBLTjaSflR fiKGL . . . Plate XV. 15/// century. U. of hoop, -89 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 888. Silver GILT; legend: * lASPPAR BALTA * | SAR rtiaLOIJOR. 15/// century. I). "9 in. 1856. Roach Smith Coll. Found in London. 889. Gold ; hoop on outside divided by vertical ridges into eight compartments in which is the legend : IN NOIMNE DOIMNI, formerly enamelled black. 13/// century. D. of hoop, 82 in. Weight, 58 grains. TTie legend (In nomine Domini) may well have an exorcistic sense. The phrase In nomine Patris el Filii et Spiritus Sancti is frequent in books of magic. AMULET-RINGS T41 890. Goi.D ; exterior of hoop divided b>- beaded vcrticid ridges into eight com- partments engraved with legend : + IN NOMINE DOMINE. i^th century. D. 77 in. Weight, 41 grains. The inscription has probably been enamelled. 891. Gold signkt ; massive iioop expanding to an oval bezel scrolled at each end and enclosed by a chased serpent with its tail in its mouth ; within the circle a pentagram, in the outer angles of which are the letters ASLSV (reversed). Plate XV. i6ik ecntury. D. "96 in. L. of bezel, '82 in. Weight, 5S7 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) The letters will form the word Sn/i/s. The serpent with its tail in its mouth is the emblem of eternity. The jientagram, which has a similar significance, is among the best known of symbols. It is an essential feature in magical diagrams, and may be found in all treatises on the subject. It may be noted that it forms the centre of the figures on the largest wax disk used by Dr. Dee, and now in the British Museum (Proc. Sec. A/it. London, xxi, p. 3S0I. 892. Silver; legend: AGIOS + OTEOS + ATAN ATO ; oval bezel set with a cameo mask in yellow marble. Plate XV. Italian, x^th century. D. '92 in. L. of bezel, "65 in. Presented by the Trustees of the Christy Collection. 1865. The inscription is intended for 'Ayios a Bfor iiftiraTo? — God {is) Jioly (and) im?no7-tat, words occurring in the Service of the Mass, the full sentence being nyiot 6 Sfot ayins la^vfius a-yioi adavaros, in which form it is found in magical books, e.g. in the British Museum Add. MS. 25,311 (seventeenth century) transcribed in Journ. Brit. Arch. Assoc, xl, pp. 321 ff. Cf. also rings in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 709-'7l), and the Pichon Collection, Sale Catalogue, no. 83. 893. Bronze ; flat hoop considerably battered ; projecting oval bezel engraved : ANAEL ; above, a triangle and circle ; below, another sign. I'] til century. D. 1-2 in. Anael is the name of an angel or spirit. It is found on a magic tablet by the side of a nude figure (Proc. Soc. Ant. London, xviii, p. 147). 894. Silver ; a plain hoop with large circular applied bezel engraved with astrological characters. In the interior is engraved the legend : Sadayel + raphael + Uriel, with other signs. See figure. 17/// century. D. "96 in. D. of bezel, "9 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. The names in the interior are those of angels. Silver was the ' metal of the Moon ', and this ring was probably considered to possess special virtues as a lunar amulet. The characters are analogous to those on magic tablets, on which see Proc. Soc. Ant. L^ondon, viii, 355 ; xvii, pp. 146-7 ; XX, p. 155. 142 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 895. Goi.n ; projecting oval bezel set with a toadstone ; thin hoop ol triangular section with a raised rosette at the back and on each shoulder, where there are also panels of engraved conventional ornament : on the two outer faces is a legend resen'ed in the metal, with rosettes between the words : + I6XVS 7iVT61l TRHHSiens PBR ffleoiau iiiLORan ibaT ex aaRBara qkro. This is continued on the under sides of the bezel, which contains a toadstone : KaQTS^ HST €T. The concluding words 'Jiabitavit in nobis) are absent. Piatt X\'. Italian, I4t/i century. IX ri2in. L. of bezel, 53 in. Weight, 73 grains. The toadstone {crapaudina, bufoiiius Inpis, batrachites, 5-v.) was supposed to be carried by the toad in his head, whence it might be cut out, or to be throw-n out of the mouth if the creature was placed upon a piece of red cloth. In fact the ' stones ' to which this fictitious origin was ascribed are formed of the palatal teeth of a fossil ganoid fish called Lepidotus, common in our own oolitic and wealden strata, and recei\-ing their coloration from the iron salts present in the rock. This colour it may have been which brought them into connexion with the gem described by Pliny as batraihites, and thus originated the superstition. A silver toadstone ring is mentioned by Rabelais as worn on the thumb of the right hand : ' //« oros ei large anmaii d' argent, en la palte diigucl ctait encliassce itiie bien grande crapaudine.' The stone was believed to be eflScacious against kidney disease and to protect new-bom infants. Joanna Baillie, in a letter to Sir Walter Scott often quoted in this connexion, states that one belonging to her mother was often borrowed for the latter purpose. E. Ray Lankester, Recreations of a Naturalist, 1911 ; Notes ajid Qiuries, 4th series, \-ii (1S71), pp. 399, 484- The words Verbiun caro are part of a text (John i. 14) which has also occurred on a pre\-ious ring (no. 229). Without precise evidence, such as direct association with a magical formula, we need not suppose that all rings bearing this legend are magical. But in the present case there can be no doubt ; and the text is also found in the charm for paroxysms in the al- ready quoted MS. in the Chapter Library at Canterbury (cf. Arch. Journ. xviii, p. 64), a charm intended to be written on parchment or paper, folded, and worn on the person as an amulet For lesus autem transicns see no. S7S, and cf. nos. 231, 239. For other rings with toadstones see Arch. Journ. xvi, p. 363; xix, p. 1 89; Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 1st series, i, p. 278. A ring in the Waterton Collection (Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 2nd series, ii, p. 229) combines the toadstone with ass's hoof, on which see below, no. 907. 896. Goi.n ; slender rounded hoop expanding to an oval bezel containing a toadstone. \(>th century. I). 1-05 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Weight, 98 grains. 1S97. (Soden Smith Coll.) 897. Silver; circular bezel containing a toadstone; slender hoop, the shoulders, with back and sides of bezel, chased with floral scrolls on a ground of niello. \fith century. O. r36 in. U. of bezel, '62 in. 1858. Found near Harwich. The hole at the back of the bezel was probably intended to allow a vent to the power of the stone. AMULET-RINGS I43 898. Silver ; slender hoop ; circular bezel containing a toadstone. 16/// century. 1). 1-2 in. D. of bezel, 74 in. 1901. Morel Collection. 899. Silver gilt ; flat hoop divided into rectangular panels engraved with foliate design. Circular bezel with vandykcd setting containing a toadstone. To right and left of the bezel arc two floral bosses. 16 th century. T). r33 in. L. of bezel, 76 in. (Londcsborough Coll.) 900. Silver ; circular bezel with a cable border and vandyked setting containing a toadstone. i6th century. ]). I '05 in. I), of bezel, 76 in. 901. Silver ; engraved shoulders ; oval bezel similar to the last, containing a toadstone. On the under side, the letters R and F. Plate XV. \6th century. ]^. r2 in. D. of bezel, 77 in. (Octavius Morgan CoU.) 902. Silver; flat hoop engraved on the back with IHS ; oval bezel with vandyked setting containing a toadstone. 17//^ century. ■ n. fi in. L. of bezel, 'S^ in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 903. Silver ; circular bezel with similar setting to last, containing a toadstone with a depression in the centre. Sf^ figure. i']tli century. D. !•! in. D. of bezel, '66 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 904. Silver ; flat hoop ; circular bezel, similar to the above, containing a toadstone. On each side of the bezel is a large pellet. Plate XV. \~tli century. D. r3 in. D. of bezel, •84 in. (Londcsborough Coll.) 144 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS bezel a hexagonal raised settins containine 905. SiLVKK ; scrolled shoulder a claw-shaped piece of horn. Plate XV. i6th century. D. i"26 in. L. of bezel, '37 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. There are traces of gilding on the metal. Horn was a frequent constituent in magical rings. Cf. example in the Waterton Coll. [Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 2nd series, ii, p. 363\ 906. Silver ; the hoop of triangular section with a quatrefoil at the back and chased scrolls upon the shoulders : hexagonal bezel set with a conical piece of horn. 6'^r figure, i^t/i century. D. 1*2 in. D. of bezel, '64 in. 1753. Sloane Coll. 907. Silver signet ; the hoop has on the outer side a median ridge, the spaces on either side of which are filled in with ass's hoof (?). Octagonal bezel engraved with a shield of arms surmounted by the letters H. b. Sec figure. Late i6th centtiry. D. I '5 in. L. of bezel, "74 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. Ass's hoof was considered efficacious against epilepsy. Cf. Proc. Soc. Ant., and series, i, p. 278. (J. Reichelt, De Amuletis cxercitatio, p. 20.) Two rings with hoof, one mounted in gold, the other in silver with a shield of arms bearing a crescent and a star are in the Waterton Collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum (Proc. Soc. Ant. London, 2nd series, i, p. 278). For other rings with hoof j^"^ Proc. Soc. Ant. London, ist series, ii, pp. 183, 229. 908. Silver ; the hoop has round the outer side a median ridge, between which and the rim on either side the ring is inlaid with ass's hoof, fluted at the shoulders. The silver bezel is engraved with a shield of arms. Late \6th century. D. l'32 in. L. of bezel, 74 in. (Zschille Coll., no. 80.) 909. Bronze and iron ; the outside of the hoop forms a plaited band of the two metals ; on each shoulder is a copper setting, one triangular, containing a garnet, the other rectangular, from which the stone is lost. The bezel is circular, engraved in intaglio with a bear or ape, and a mirror (?) ; behind the bear, a letter tj. The interior of the hoop is of bronze with the legend : lljc T anani5iipra + rpi. Plate X\'. Early 16 t/i century. D. r34 in. D. of bezel, '5 in. (Londesborough Coll., no. 39.) Jones, p. 139. For the word Ananisapla, see no. 870. The combinations of certain metals were supposed to impart a magical virtue, each metal having its own signiticance. Cf. a magic tablet made of two plates, one bronze, the other silver {Proc. .Soc. Ant. London, xviii, p. 147). AMULET-RINGS 145 gio. SllAKR c;iLT ; on the outside of the hoop a continuous band of circular settings of twisted wire, containing a dark brown substance. D. 84 in. Hamilton Coll. Probably magical. 911. Another, similar ; from the same collection. D. -84 in. 912. Silver gilt ; wreathed hoop, ridged and pearled ; on each shoulder a raised setting, containing a faceted crystal and a fluted cup with face embossed upon the bottom. Almond-shaped bezel fluted at the back, and with twisted and vandyked borders, containing a wolf's (?) tooth. At the back of the hoop is a stamp C. C, each letter within a rectangle. Plate XV. German, \~th century or later. D. I'j in. L. of bezel, "86 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) A peasant's ring, which for its general type may be compared with the rings of Class L. A wolf's tooth is a hunting charm to secure success in sport. Teeth were used as charms for other purposes ; a rosary ring formerly in the Londesborough Collection (no. 24) had a tooth set in the largest projection (T. C. Croker, Catalogue, 1853, p. 6). Cf. also ring in the Victoria and Albert Museum (no. 816-1902). 913. Silver ; the hoop wreathed and pearled at the back, the shoulders pierced with foliations each having a raised setting with a gar- net. The front of the ring has a larger setting which contains a wolf's (?) tooth. See figure. German, 17/// century or later. SJ^'BBJkr^ ^j^^jj^^flWBJW''. fcjl'jjll]^^ D. n6 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Cf. no. 2257. 914. Silver ; the hoop wreathed, and chased upon the shoulders, which are pierced and support an almond-shaped setting containing a tooth. German, I't/i century or later. D. ro4 in. 915. Silver ; the hoop wreathed at back, the shoulders pierced and each ornamented with two garnets in raised settings and a small key-shaped pendant. The bezel has two almond-shaped settings side by side containing teeth, between which is a loop with a triangular pendant representing a padlock, while above and below are two rows of three settings each containing garnets and green pastes. South German, \~th century or later. D. I "02 in. Cf. E. Fontenay, Lcs hijotix anciens et inodcrnes, p. 65. The teeth may be those of young deer, used perhaps to symbolize purity. L 146 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS F. INSCRIBED RINGS The rings in this class are separated from the numerous inscribed rings in other groups because the inscriptions form their chief interest, whereas the others are primarily interesting for their form, use, &c. Doubtless the class contains examples which, were their original destination certain, might prove to belong other sections. Thus no. 919 may be a charm-ring ; nos. 924-5 may be devotional ; no. 92S may have some memorial significance. On the other hand, no. 1S30 is classed with ornamental rings because much of its interest lies in its form and style. 916. Gold ; flat hoop with bezel in the form of two confronted monsters' heads. Round the outer side of the hoop the legend : RinneiDVNATATei PLVSANIR- Tiei(^VeS. In the in- terior, at the back of the -a-. .„ :acsm-^fiVi#&»-,,r«rrv;#- .SVr figure. y'Jh ccnluyy. . fS^^l'^l^J ^to roal^^^pCniCrig ; V>. •68 in. Weight, 42 grains. 1856. This is a common motto. Cf. Arcli. Jounuil, xi, p. 1 59 ; Proc. Soc. Ant. Loudon, xi, p. 1 59. 943. CiOLlj ; a hoop engraved on the outer side with three rows of gouttes ; in the interior is engraved tOtlt il pill't between floral designs. EngUsIi, i^th century- I ). '68 in. Weight, 40 grains. 944. Silver; hoop convex on the outer side with legend in relief: 3!^ SP ill 00 ; between the words and between the two syllables of the last word, quatrefoils enclosed in ovals. Froich, i^tJi century. D. -82 in. ^ ^ MUSI ,[Mi J afi^l 945. SiLVKR ; thick flat hoop, the exterior having six raised rectangular panels, one with a rosette, the others with the letters of a legend in relief, in pairs or singly : re I !J I no I tit | I. The last letter terminates in a foliate ornament. See figure. English, i^ik cent7iry. D. I in. (Braybrooke Coll.) The ending of letters in floria- tions is frequent in the period to which the ring belongs. Cf. nos. 725, 978, and a ring from Chalcis in the Ashmolean Museum (Archaeologia, Ixi, p. 393, fig. 4*). 946. Gold ; a plain hoop engraved with three crosses, and in the interior with three letters : C C C, at long intervals. 15/// century. ' D. 78 in. Weight, 48 grains. The inscription may be magical. 947. Gold ; hoop engraved on exterior with foliate designs in compartments separated by diagonal cable bands ; it has been enamelled. In the inside is engraved the legend : DOM INS: Ml CHI: JIDIVTOR. i6t/i century. 1). of hoop, 72 in. Weight, 41 grains. The motto is that of Cardinal Wolsey. 152 CATALOGUE OK FINGER-RINGS 948. Gold ; slender hoop : oval bezel with pearled band, set with a garnet engraved with legend : DEVS PROTECTOR MEVS ; the letters gilded. Plate XI. Early i-jtli antttry. D. I in. Weight, 91 grains. 949. Gold ; the exterior of the hoop chased with scrolls ; in the interior a legend : SPRE^//A VI///NT. 16 ih century. D. 74 in. Weight, 29 grains. 950. Gold ; a plain hoop rounded on the outer side where it is engraved : + THE LORDE + WYNSORE. In the interior : EA. Early i 'th century. D. '88 in. Weight, 65 grains. 951. Sua F.R ; a plain band with raised rims; in the interior the legend: I LIVE IN HOPE. English, \~ith ctntiiry. D. '82 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 952. Another, similar. On the outer side the legend : + HONOVR COD. >Sf^ figure. I'] th century. D. "9 in. (Hailstone Coll.) From Kilmattock, Co. Limerick. The hoop broken. 953. Gold ; the hoop divided into three sections ornamented respectively with white, blue, and black enamel ; on the inside an inscription in letters engraved and filled with black enamel: SEPES MEA DEVS. 17/// century. D. 78 in. Weight, 25 grains. The first word of the legend may be intended for spes, but it makes sense as it stands, sepes meaning a fence, and so a protection. 954. Gold ; hoop enriched with green and white enamel. In the inside, legend : Vertuc crowncs all croffes. \']th century. D. -64 in. Weight, 25 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 955. Bronze ; plain hoop rounded on the outer side. Legend in the inner side : L iterature grande. 1 "jth century. I). -8710. 1870. (Pollexfen Coll.) INSCRIBED RINGS 153 956. Gold ; the exterior of the hoop once chased but now much worn ; in llie interior: CARLE • GRIGNET. Early ijt/i century. I). '65 in. Weight, 16 grains. 957. Gold ; the shoulders and back of bezel enamelled in blue, white, and green ; square bezel set with a table jacinth engraved in reversed letters: UN PEU BEAUCOUP. Early 1 8/// century. D. •86 in. Weight, 45 grains. The stone is jirobably later tlian the ring. G. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS. I. Inscribed. 958. Gold ; flat slender hoop engraved on the outer side with legend + 10 SVI De DRVeRie He Me DV. Projecting bezel in the form of two hands. See figure. 13//^ century. D. -84 in. Weight, S grains. 1903. ^*I o svrpe:PR\AeR I e; H-g-jwg-jmrrf^ Found in the Fleet Ditch, City of London. For the word driieric the following synonyms are given : amitie, affection, amour, tendresse, galanterie, &c. (Godefroy, Lexi'que de I'ancien franqais, s. v.) The ring is probably a love-ring, though the word is also found on such objects as Corporation maces (e. g. Ilchester, LI. Jewett and W. H. St. John Hope, Corporation Plate, ii, p. 204). 959. Gold ; slender hoop ending in monsters' heads supporting a bezel of an irregular oval containing a ruby. Round the hoop in letters in relief: VIR6IS roin RIT, a rosette separating the last two words. German, i^tk century. D. '84 in. Weight, 35 grains. 960. GOLi^ ; plain hoop with legend on the outer side: + AMOR VIHUIT OMSIA. 13//; century. D. '84 in. Weight, 33 grains. The motto is that on the brooch of the Prioress in Chaucer's Cantej-bury Tata: Cf. a ring in Norwich Castle Museum, no. 104 (Arch. Jonrn. xx, 1863, p. 172). 960a. Gold ; bezel an oval setting with four claws set with a turquoise ; slender hoop of triangular section with six projecting rosettes, engraved with the legend : + AMOR VIC IONIA A GO, followed by an indeterminate sign. D. '94 in. Weight, 29 grains. The inscription is Amor I'incit oiitiiia, with alpha and omega, the Greek letters perhaps intended as a charm. 154 CATALOGUE OF FINGKR-RINGS 961. BRONZt; ; thick flat hoop with engraved legend on the outside : + 71! ■{< VILS Hh IIOII ^ GKRDI LI riO (A/i voila moti ca:iir,sardc-lc inoi !). 14th century. U. of hoop, I 'I in. 962. Gold ; a broad hoop engraved and chased on the outer side with designs once enamelled. The ornament consists of three lozenge-shaped panels engraved with the Trinity, the Virgin and Child, and a male saint, the intervening spaces being filled with flowers and foliage. In the interior is engraved the legend : 99o£(t m mtniD anti I'li www Ijcfct ilot^cst fi'om jou fcrto Dcpam. Plate XVI, and see figures. Early i^th century. D. -S in. Weight, 232 grains. Dug up ;it Godstow Nunnery, near Oxford. Arch. Jottrn. xx, p. 195 ; Cat. of Antiquities, &^c., exhi- bitedin Ironmongers' Hall, 1869, ii, p. 4S7. The ring was evidently a love-ring, but the ornament resembles that of the iconographic cl.ass. It was long described as ' Fair Rosamund's ring '. 963. Gold ; the exterior of the hoop engraved with a wreath once enamelled ; interior engraved with legend : 9i VdI2> mj Ictul pCfltC fo | ^t ac fO lililUlC fo mot 3 50 (/ kncM my little pretty foe \ Ye are to blame so must T go). i^tk century. D. of hoop, •68 in. Weight, 69 grains. 964. Gold ; broad flat hoop divided horizontally by a milled band and engraved on the exterior with legend : UIIC faiUC nomiUatlUC A ftll't DC UlOP COU Ddtlff par Id parole ffCni'tlllC en Depir UC laturatiff, and in the inside with the figure of a woman and a sqm'rrei among flowers and foliage, and with the legend : CrC amour eft mfimti(ti)e gc t)eu fon rclatlff. Bezel a circular setting containing a sapphire bead. Plate XVI, and see figure. English, I'^th century. D. of hoop, 72 in. D. of bezel, '42 in. Weight, 121 grains, no. 68.) (Fichon Coll., i>ale Catalogue, 965. Gold ; a flat hoop engraved on exterior with legend : atlior UieilCf : between the words is engraved a lozenge band of thorned stems. English, I ^th century. U. '82 in. Weight, 29 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Dug up close to Hendysh Wood, in parish of Ashdon, Essex. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS 155 966. Silver ; a flat hoop engra\ed on the' outer side with the legend : autCC tlf iJEl'l [autre tie vciix) ; between the words, rosettes and leaves. i^th century. 1). -S in. Cf. no. 289. 967. Silver gilt ; a thick flat hoop engraved on the outer side : autlX llCtJCt [autre ite vcux) ; between the words, rudelj' engraved .sprigs or branches. 15///' century. D. -98 In. 968. Gold ; once enamelled ; thick flat hoop engraved with legend : SuiJCIie tlOltSf [souvencz-vous), the words separated by sprigs and flowers. On the inner side are engraved five slipped trefoils, three bearing the letters ; l' f (?). 1,5/"// century. I). '92 in. Weight, ll" grains. Said to have been found at Fountains Abbey {Arch. Journal, .xxi. pp. 101-2). 969. Gold ; hollow flat hoop ; on the outer side, reserved in the metal, four stars of six points inscribed in circles connected by diagonal bands, each with leaves and two or three letters of a legend : D^n aljlCiPtl, on ground of white enamel. German. \^th century. I). '8 in. Weight, 60 grains. The rest of the ring has also been enamelled. 970. Gold ; once enamelled ; flat hoop engraved : CIl lu'Ctl £11101* : between the words, engraved flowers and radiant suns formerly enamelled. ^»r^tttifeJ»^^>:gmtr?#^P ^ irr figure. ±Lnglisk,i^t/i century. -^ jm=i=- ,^ I). 7 in. Weight, 30 grains. Castellani Coll. i!572. 971. Gold ; flat hoop engraved on the outer side with legend : en lionc fo^, sprays of leaves and flowers separating the words. Inside is the word pCCIlCiS between two sprigs, the sentence reading prenez en hounc foi. English, i^tk century. n. '8 in. Weight, 40 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) The hoop is broken at the back. 156 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 972. Gold; thin plain hoop, engraved on the outer side : UIE plct \vie plait ?), in black-letter between ornament of roses and leaves. EvgUsh, late i^ih century. D. "62 in. Weight, II grains. 1S56. Found in London. Roach Smith Coll., no. 2705. The ring is broken, and a part of the hoop is missing. 973. Gold ; once enamelled ; hollow rounded hoop with chased legend : Cf 3t tOUt motl OCCit, divided into pairs of letters inclined so as to form a zigzag band ; between them large trefoils with their bases alternately on the upper and lower edge of the ring. See figure. 15/// century. D. '82 in. Weight, 44 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. 974. Gold ; once enamelled : hoop rounded on the outer side, where it is engraved with an interlaced band between two rows of sprigs. In the interior is engraved a monogram com- posed of the letters A and R, with the legend : Uc * maiUOtir * soic? *mu. ^ tr -mamour - m^ - Cure See figure. 15/// ccntmy. D. "94 in. Weight, 121 grains. 1856. 975. Gold ; once enamelled ; the hoop rounded on the outer side, where there is the legend in relief : pOUr tOUS 0Oiet, the last letters of the first two words ending in leaves ; between the words are circles containing disks and resembling rosettes. 15/// century. D. 74 in. Weight, 40 grains. 976. Goi,]>; once enamelled ; rounded hoop with legend in relief: gfOlCJ IcalS Ctt amourgf, the words separated by a rosette and pairs of quatrefoils, one above the other. In the interior is engraved : trototljC + l5 + Ut (troth is free?). English, 15/A century. D. -82 in. Weight, 85 grains. (Londesborough Coll.. no. 196.) Dug up at Wollaston, near Wellingborough. 977. Gold ; once enamelled' ; rounded hoop having at the back figure-of-eight knot and on each shoulder a vase containing a flower ; the bezel is a small circular setting with an emerald. In the interior the legend : pur \t mcur. 15/// century. D, -6 in, Weight, 32 grains. This ring may be a love-ring worn on an upper joint of the little finger. Possibly, however, it may have been matle for a child. LOVE AND MARRIAGK KINGS 157 978. Gold ; once enamelled ; the hoop wreathed, one band engraved with flowers and sprigs, the other witli legend: »)aunc( DcpaiTir. Oval bezel set with a bloodstone. In the interior the legend : + a IlUl aUtCC. See figure. 15/// century. IJ. '9 in. Weight, 65 grains. (Bray- biooke Coll.) Arch. Journ. v, p. 160. Said to have been found in the Tower of London. For the legend see no. 725. ^ a-f>TOllll «*-lOTttr?fi^ 979. 980. 981. (lOMi; once enamelled ; the hoop composed of three panels separated by figiuc-of-eight knots. Each panel has a word cut in relief forming the motto : pence? Dc mop. (Cf. no. 993.) riatf X\'I. English, i^t/i century. 11. -82 in. Weight, 49 grains. 1854. Found in WhitechapeL near the Church. Gdli'i ; once enamelled ; the hoop is composed of four curved panels with crescent-shaped plates riveted to their outer sides alternating with pierced panels each composed of four circles containing trefoils, and bordered by four pellets. The riveted plates are chased with the legend : aillOUC tJie tient en lOl'e, the letters dis[ioscd in groups of two or three upon ornamental panels. Plate X\T. English, i.\th century . I), "y in. Weight, 64 grains. 1870. Found at Colchester. GciLD; once enamelled ; broad hoop with channelled borders ; on the outer side are scrolls with the legend : ;3Duant SDieU plClM ttnc? nOU9 SeCa. J'late XVII. English, i^th century. li. '82 in. Weight, 65 grains. 982. Sn.\KR ; once nielloed ; on the outside of the hoop, five panels, with legend : IjatC Q? and al, and a quatrefoil. See figure. English, \jth century. D. "9 in. 1854. For the sign '^ held in place of the word cf. /'roc. Sot. Aiitiquiuies of I.ptuion, iii, p. 465. 983. Gold ; plain hoop, with legend : 5 CCt UIOH IJOllIoiC HI . . . English, j^th century. I). '8 in. Weight, 64 grains. 984. Gold ; the hoop expanding to the shoulders, where it has the legend enamelled in black : 'EorenSiO * a ILtUiX '2.Cna. Circular bezel is cut to a quatrefoil and set with a crystal of diamond. Plate XVI. Italian, ijth century. D. 76 in. D. of bezel, 34 in. Weight, 80 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 158 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 985. Silver; the hoop wreathed and engraved with legend: + MA | TLO MEG; oval bezel with a glove and the sole of a shoe on a ground of niello. Italian, 15/// century. D. l"l in. Much of the niello is lost. 986. Silver ; gilt and nielloed ; broad hoop with convex surface and ridged borders, ornamented with eight depressed circles round which winds a broad scroll with legend : *AMORE VOL FE [Loir demands faith). Plate X\'I. Italian, ijt/e century. D. "9 in. 987. Gold ; the plain hoop expands to a bezel cut as a quatrefoil and set with a turquoise. In the interior is engraved the legend : ©(-'jp HlCt lltOIl COCr. 15/A century. D. I in. Weight, 130 grains. 1856. 988. Gold ; bezel a high quatrefoil set with an emerald ; the shoulders have ornament of rosettes on a ground of niello : at the back of the hoop the name AN TONE, also nielloed. Plate X\'I. French, i^th century. D. '9 in. Weight, 70 grains. 989. Gold ; flat hoop keyed for enamel on both faces and on the edge ; at each shoulder a cube pierced on three sides with letters forming the word jfIffi03RS ; from each cube issue two pairs of divergent limbs enclosing pierced trefoils, and supporting a long pyramidal bezel now containing two table emeralds. See figure. French, ijth century. D. "9 in. Weight, 36 grains. A ring of exceptionally graceful workmanship. The enamel is all lost. Two holes at the back of the bezel were connected with the original stone, replaced by modem emeralds. I 990. Gold ; hoop of triangular section engraved with foliage next the bezel, which is lozenge-shaped with pearled edge, and bears the initials K W in blue, united by a knot in green enamel. English, \6th century. D. -86 in. Weight, 93 grains. Found at Eversheld, Surrey. For the form cf. no. 464 ; for the style of the initials and knot cf. nos. 587 ff. The fashion of joining initials in this manner with knots was popular in the later part of the sixteenth, and in the first half of the seventeenth century. For the ring with initials of Mary Queen of Scots and Darnley see Proc. Soc. An/. London, 1st series, i, p. 27S ; for two rings conjecturally associated with Shakespeare, one with the initials W S, the other with AW, see Gentlanan's .XIagazine, l.\xx, p. 32 1, unA Joiir>t. Brit. Arch. Assoc, iv, p. 3S9. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS ■59 991. Gold ; ijimmcl ring, enamelled. The bezel is in the form of a quatrefoil flower, the pendant lea%'es enriched with scrolls enamelled in black, blue, and white ; it is set with a ruby and an emerald ; the shoulders are moulded with scrolls also enamelled. On the inner surfaces, when the ring is opened, is the enamelled inscription: WAS GOT ZV SAMEN FIEGT DAS SOL DER MENSCH NIT SCHAIDEN. F.namelled scrolls ornament the cut inner faces of the bezel. German, if)/h century. D. I'I5 in. Weight, 143 grains. Cf. Jones, p. 319. 992. Anoiiiick ; similar, set with a ruby and an aquamarine ; legend DEUS CONJUNXIT HOMO NON SEPARET. See figure, (ierinaii, 1 6t/i ecu tiny. QUOD D. 1-15 in. Weight, 171 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) . The betrothal or wedding-ring of Sir Thomas Greshani, now exhibited in the Loan Court at the Victoria and .Albert Museum, South Kensington, by Mr. G. C. Leveson Cower, is of similar design and bears the same legend. 993- Gold; half of a gimmcl ring formerly enamelled on the shoulders ; the bezel, cut to a quatrefoil with four claws, contains an opaque rough emerald ; on the inner face of the ring, and concealed when it was complete, the legend : D0 lUOp pcnCCJ. (Cf. no. 979.) Plate XVI. Eus^Usli, i-^t/i fenlury. D. -9 in. Weight. 100 grains. Found in the Thames. l6o CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 994. Gold ; slender hoop with legend : L ami sincere on the outer side, the letters reserved on a ground of black enamel. The shoulders bifurcate, each supporting an enamelled flower ; the bezel has a ruby enclosed in a figure 3 set with diamonds, both resting on an anchor. English, i^th century. D. 74 in. Weight, 45 grains. The ring has been repaired at the back. 995. Gold : flat hoop divided into three panels ; on the outer side the legend : AMOUR POUR AMOUR, the letters reserved on a ground of white enamel; rectangular bezel, reeded at the back, containing a sapphire. Englisli, 1 8/// century. D. 76 in. Weight, 18 grains. 996. Gold ; the hoop forms four scrolls connected by four garnets in rectangular settings : on the scrolls, in gold letters on a ground of white enamel, the legend: VOIRE AMITIE FAIT MA FELICITE. English, iHth century. D. 7 in. Weight, 13 grains. 997. Gold ; similar hoop with white enamel and garnets : GAGE D'AMOUR. English, i8th century. D. 61 in. Weight, 14 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 998. Gold; similar hoop; on the scrolls, in gold letters on a ground of white enamel, the inscription : PRENEZ MO! SI VOUS MAPPROUVEZ. English, 18/// century. V). 77 in. Weight, 15 grains. 999. Gold ; wreathed hoop ; bezel in form of two hands holding a crowned heart ; on each thumb is perched a dove. In the interior the letters I * N * H * M, with two groups of three stars. i8th-i<)th century. D. "94 in. Weight, 93 grains. 1000. Gold ; slender hoop ; large oval bezel bordered with pearls, alternating with gold bosses and containing an enamelled white plaque painted in brown with two hearts on which stand two doves supporting a crown ; below, a wreath ; above, legend : L'AMOUR NOUS UNIT. 18/// century. D. '82 in. Weight, 41 grains. looL Gold ; the bezel, which is backed by a silver plate, has two confronted doves in white enamel, and between them a plant set with rubies and diamonds. Round the outside of the hoop, legend in relief: AIMONS COMME EUX. Plate XVII. English, li^th century. D. "8 in. Weight, 41 grains. 1871. l.OVK AND MAI.;KIA(.I. RINdS l6l II. Fede-rings. (it) Inscribed. 1002. Goi.lj; clasped hands at llic back and two liands .suppoitiiig a bezel with liigh claws which contains a sapphire. On the hf^op are inscribed in two places the earlier letters of the alphabet. 13///! century. D. ro6 in. Weight, 55 grains. ( lUaybrooke Coll. I The hoop is damaged and the hands at the back partly broken. One of the liands supporting the bezel is pierced. The letters of the alphabet may be used with some magical significance. A silver bowl in the church of Studley Royal, dating from about A. n. 13S0. is ornamented with letters {Froc. Sot. Antiquaries of London, xxiii, p. 46). 1002a. Another ; of the same type, but with a rosette in the middle of each side and in the bezel a ruby set in a collet. On the hoop, legend : PL | AV I VL A! PL I DV I D(?)OI. 13/// cent/ny. D. ro7 in. Weight, 67 grains. (Braybrookc Coll.) The collet and stone replace another stone, now lost, set as the stone of the preceding number. 1002b. Gold ; flat hoop with clasped hands at back and terminating at the shoulders in conventional monsters' heads ; bezel a lozenge-shaped setting containing a plaque of cloisonne enamel, four red disks on a green ground. Italian, \<\th century. D. "94 in. Weight, 36 grains. The hoop is broken. 1003. Gold ; slender hoop with clasped hands at back and engraved on the outer side : TtVH MKRIK Q>Kf///. At the shoulders the hooi) ends in hands supporting a double bezel, formerly containing two stones. 14//' century. D. '9 in. Weight, 48 grains. 1004. Gold; clasped hands at back; slender hoop engraved on the outer side with the legend : + AVIHLHRI ATHI ; a cross or quatrefoil on each shoulder. The bezel is a high conical setting containing a cabochon rub)-. Plate XVI. 13/// century. D. of hoop, 75 in. Weight, 26 grains. 1005. Gold ; slender flat hoop with clasped hands as before at the back ; it is engraved on the outer side with legend : RVKllM | d MVRl, between rai.sed quatrefoils. The bezel is a high oval setting containing a sapphire. Plate XVI. Early i.\t/i century. D. '92 in. L. of bezel, '24 in. Weight, 26 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) l62 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1006. Gold ; at the back of the hoop, which is of triangular section, two clasped hands. Legend engraved on the outer faces : K) : SVI . TO I . HIl I LIV:De7vIU | {jf sia's ici en lieu d'ami) ODUeST : PRt SeUT : K^7''S : The bezel pyramidal with flat sides containing a crystal of diamond. Plate XV'I, and Scc figure. English, \^th ccnUiry. D. I in. Weight, 59 grains. 1857. Found in Clerkenwell. The legend is common on mediaeval rings and brooches. Cf a ring in the Collection of Sir Arthur Evans iProc. Soc. Ani. London, iii, p. 38, and Catalo^te of the Loan Collection of. . . Jevjellery. South Kensington, 1872, no. 859). 1007. Silver gilt; clasped hands as bezel: legend on the outer side: i\\it. <^'n each shoulder a cross. Plate X\'I. 1 ,5/// ecntury. D. 9 in. F'ound at Folkestone. The legend is part of the verse Ave Af aria gratia plena. Cf. nos. 68 1 ff. roo8. SiLVKR ; once gilt ; the bezel in the form of clasped hands, with sleeves, each of which has a row of buttons. On the shoulders the legend : Goll ijclp. At the back of the hoop, in relief, a heart with two quatrefoil flowers issuing from it. See figure. English, i^tk century. D. ro6 in. (Londesborough Coll.) 1009. SlL\ KU (.ILT; flat hoop with clasped hands at back; on sides legend: Uion cor abC5, with sprigs. Applied bezel, a crowned heart from which issue leaves. 15/// century. D. -92 in. For the motto cf. nos. 558, 725, 742, 752. loio. Silver gilt ; clasped hands engraved in front ; the shoulders engraved with quatrefoils in squares and lozenges ; at the back a heaii with issuing leaves as in the preceding number, but crowned. \',tlt century. I». ro4 in. lou. SiL\KK; the hoop engraved on the outer side with iljc cft illllOf IIICIIS. 1 5/// century. IJ. '9 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. LOVE AND MAUKIAC.I-: RINC.S 163 IOI2. SlLVi:k; once t,nlt ; bezel in form of clasped hands ; lcj;cnd on outer side of hoop: |ijc luinu-cn* i//>7//iiDcciniin. See fiG^iirc. \',f/i century. 1). '94 in. (I5raybrooke Coll.) Found in the Al)b5y grounds, lUiry St. Edmunds, 1849. lllrhma^aren'r ^-^ ;ittfofuTu: 1013. .SiL\i;i^; clasped hands in front; on outer side of hoop in relief + K'>V)r^ WRZ7i//////V<. RtX. \',i/i century. V>. '92 in. (Londesborough Coll.) The hoop broken at the back. 1014 SlL\ i;r GU.r ; hoop with inedian ridge on outer side, where it is engraved with legend : IIKI imZWiXk-UV^. RCX. ij/// century. 1). '96 in. 1015. Silver GILT; similar; legend: lUKI IfflZT^RHHV.S. i^tli ccntnry. D. -94 in. (Soden .Smith Coll.) 1016. .SiLVKR cii.T ; legend on outer side : lljC lUl^aCC. i.y/; century. 1). '9 in. (. Soden Smith Coll.) 1017. SiLVKR ; once gilt ; legend : lli(l KKZKRe. .S>i- figure. 1 5//" ccntnry. I). -SS in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in a lield near Burton Wood, Chesterford, in 1018. Silver ; once nielloed ; the clasped liands form the bezel ; the hoop ornamented with cinquefoils and a wavy band, on either side of which are disposed the letters: lACObbVFTA. North Italian, i '^t/i ccntnry. 1). '^4 in. 164 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1019. Silver ; a signet with octagonal bezel engraved in intaglio with a lion passant ; flat hoop with clasped hands at the back, and on the sides, in relief, »iN ^ ^imM T ^j i^^ig the l^end : PIHRO | R(?)IRHNTI NO, preceded by a quatrefoil. Sfc figure. Italian. x^^tJi century. IX l-l6 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. loiga. Gold ; bezel in form of clasped hands ; flat hoop engraved inside and out with legends: DVLCE • DON VM ■ FIDES, and P NSOLA FA- AM A. Italian, 1 5/// century. n. of hoop. 76 in. Weight, 42 grains. 1020. Bronze; a hoop with legend in raised letters: ON CVERAVOS. and two clasped hands. 16/// century. D. "86 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. The legend is (M)on canir a voiis. I02I. Gold : the bezel in the form of clasped hands holding a heart ; laced cuffs over the wrists. In the interior, legend : Honored for your vertnes. J't/i century. D. "S in. Weight, 32 grains. 1022. Gold ; similar, the cufts more elaborate ; legend : Bcc true in heart Tho farr apart. Plate X \' 1 1 . 17/// century. D. "84 in. Weight, 54 grains. The legend is a familiar posy ; cf. below, nos. 1 129 ff. 1023. Gold ; broad hoop with pearled edges, expanding from back to front, where there is a rectangular plate engraved with the letters R. Q_., concealed by two clasped hands, each of which forms the end of a foliated band \orking on a hinge at the back, and engraved on the inner side with legend : lie ever be I constant to tlicc. Plate X\I [. 1 8//r century. D. "9 in. Weight, 128 grains. I.OVK AND MAKRIACK RIN(~.S 165 1024. (lOi.ij ; clasped hands arc applied to the back oi' the hoop, which is channelled at the sides ; the bezel is an open-work lozenge ending in trefoils, having applied to the front a heart inscribed with the letters AMI. In the interior of the hoop is engraved the posy : Coiislant to thee lie ever bee. Plate XVII. English, \Wi eentuiy. I). 86 in. Weitjht, 60 strains. {I)) Uninscribed. 1025. .Sil\i:r; flat hoo]), the clasped hands forming the bezel ; tran.sverse ridges at the wrist. See figure. English, 1 i/h century. L. -58 in. Found at Lark Hill near Worcester in 1S54 wiih coins of Henry II. &c. {Archaeologia, .\xxvi, PI. xvii, tig. 4). 1025a. SlI.XEK ; clasped hands at back. The hoop has transverse ribs on the shoulders, and divides into a double p\rainidal bezel. \-^th century. I). ri2 in. 1853. l-ound at St. Albans. 1026. Sll.\ KR ; at the back, clasped hands ; the sides of the hoop have an astragalus design in relief; flat pyramidal bezel with three knobs instead of stones ; the sides engraved. Plate XVI. \'i,th century. D. ri in. 1027. Gold ; the bezel in the form of clasped hands held at the wrists by monsters' heads. The exterior of the hoop is engraved with a floral scroll. See figure. Italian, \A,th century. D. '84 in. Weight, 68 grains. 1028. Gold ; slender hoop with clasped hands at back and shoulders ending in monsters' heads which su[)port a lozenge- shaped bezel engraved with foliate ornament. Plate X\'I, and see figure. Italian, i^tk century. I). "82 in. L. of bezeL '34 in- \\'eight, 37 grains. 1029. SlLVKK GILT; once enamelled; clasped hands at the back; the shoulders are spirally channelled and engraved with sprigs. The bezel consists of two vertical concave panels very rudely engraved with figures of two saints, one representing St. Barbara holding the tower. 15/// century. D. "94 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) The ring belongs, as far as its urn.uiient i^ cone trnetl, to llie ' iconographic ' group. Cf. nos. 722 ff. i66 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1030. SiLVKR: once gilt; wreathed hoop with bezel in form of clasped hands surmounted by a crown ; at the wrists. quatrefoils. At the back of the hoop is applied a device in form of a heart from which issue two flowers (cf. no. 1010) surmounted by a crown. See figure. 13/// coitiiry. D. vcf> in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 1031. SlL\ ER ; at the back, clasped hands : the sides of the hoop raguly : circular bezel with a foliated whorl on a ground of niello. Plate XVI. North Italian. \^th century. D. -88 in. 1032. SIL^ ER ; nielloed ; clasped hands at the back of the hoop ; on each shoulder a medallion with florjil ornament in niello. The bezel is circular, with a nielloed bust of a lady to /. witliin an octagonal panel. North Italian, J^th century. D. "9 in. D. of bezel, 7 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. Cf. nos. icSi ff. The upper and lower edges of the bezel are broken. 1033. Another ; similar, but with oval bezel, the bust upon an oval medallion within a border of flutes. North Italian, i^th century. D. 1 in. L. of bezel. 'S in. 1034. Silver ; fragment of a ring similar to the last ; on the bezel, busts of a lady and gentleman in profile to left ; the back of the hoop broken. North Italian. 15/// century. D. -87 in. D. of bezel, •/ in. 1035. Another ; similar, but with an interlaced design on one shoulder, and an oval medallion with foliate ornament on the bezel. Sec figure. North Italian, i^th century. D. ro! in. L. of bezel, 84 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 1036. Another : the same design. Plate XVI. North Italian, i^th century. D. -9 in. 1). of hcie\. 7 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS 167 1037. Sua i:k ; bezel in form of clasped hands in sleeves ; at the back of the hoop an applied quatrefoil, the sides engraved with stars. Italian, \ttlt century. I). "94 in. (Hailstone CoU.i 1038. SlLVKK; once gilt; clasped hands at back of hoop with cinquefoiis at the wrists ; flat lozcnge-shapcd bezel with hatched ground, containing a quatrefoil, the centre and all extremities bossed. \(>th century. I). i'i5 in. 1039. Silver gilt ; clasped hands at bezel ; wreathed hoop. \6th century. U. I in. 1040. Su .vi:k ; bezel in form of clasped hands; plain hoop. \fitlt century. D. '94 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 1041. Axothek ; similar. 1 6/// century. I). "9 in. 1042. Gold : bezel in form of clasped hands; the hoop modelled in form of two Amorini, their heads to the bezel, their feet touching at the back. Sec figure. 16/// century. D. -98 in. Weight, 291 grains. A wing of one .\morino is broken oft". 1043. Gold ; bezel as clasped hands ; the shoulders chased w itli human figures with masks at their feet. Plate XVI. 16//- century. D. -92 in. Weight, 115 grains. Castellani Coll. 1865. 1044. G(JLl) : bezel clasped hands in open-work : on shoulders, human half-figures with arms raised at the backs of their heads. \6th century. I). "89 in. Weight, 56 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1045. Gold ; bezel clasped hands ; shoulders chased with scrolls and masks. 16/// century. D. -84 in. Weight, 65 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. 1046. Another ; the same design. Plate XVI. D. '84 in. Weight, 74 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) i68 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1047. Gold ; another similar. D. -86 in. Weight, 73 grains. (Soden Smitli Coll.) 1048. GoLii ; crossed hands on bezel : engraved shoulders. 16///-17/// century. D. -86 in. Weight, 40 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 1049. Gold ; clasped hands in front ; the .shoulders of the hoop chased. 1 6///-1 "jth century. D. -86 in. Weight, 68 grains. 1856. Hamilton Coll. 1350. -AnothF.K ; similar. \6th-\-ith century. D. 74 in. Weight, 56 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. 1051. Gold ; rounded hoop, the shoulders simulating sleeves puffed at the wrists, enamelled in white ; the shoulders enamelled in black. P/ateXVl. i6t/i-ijt// century. D. l-02in. Weight, 251 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 1052. Gold ; the bezel in form of clasped hands in open-work ; plain slender hoop. \6t/i-i'jt/t century. D. '85 in. Weight, 46 grains. 1053. Gold ; slender hoop : the shoulders chased in scrolls ; bezel in form of clasped hands in open-work. i6//r-i7//r century. D. '8 in. Weight, 31 grains, i Braybrooke Coll.) 1054. Silver; bezel in form of clasped hands. \6th-\-ith century. D. I in. < Soden Smith Coll.) IC55. Gold: a broad band, the exterior covered by twisted and plain wires alternating. Two pairs of hands enamelled in white, clasped over a red heart, each project from one edge ; between them is a heart over crossed arrows, set with a crystal, and fixtd by a small padlock. See figure. Flemish, 1 7/// century. D. I in. Weight, 160 grains. Waddesdon Bequest, 1 898. C. H. Read, The Waddesdon Beqiust, Catalogue of the Works of Art, &c., 1902, no. 197. 1056. Gold ; bezel clasped hands cut in turquoise ; each shoulder set with a turquoise and a diamond. Plate X\' II . 1 8/// century. li. 79 in. Weight, 30 grains. I I.OVI-: AND MAKKIACW-: RINGS 169 1057. SlL\ KR ; clasped Iiands in front, the sleeves engraved. 1 H/// ceiiliiry. 1). "9 in. 1058. GoLJ) ; diminutive ; clasped hands in front, a band of diamonds on each wrist. 1 8/// cciilitry. 1). '63 ill. Wcifjlu, 35 grains. 1059. (Ii ii ij ; slender hoop wiili two clasped hands applied to form a bezel. 1 S/Zr century. D. 7 in. Weight, 20 j;niin.s. ( Londesborough Coll.) 1060. Silver ; diminutive hoop with clasped hands in front. S'^K'cdisIi, I S/// century. I). -6 in. 1061. Sil.\ KR ; hoop of twisted wire on which is fused as bezel a lump of black- glass with clasped ha]ids in white glass, a band of gilt glass over each wrist. Englisli, i^t/i century. D. 76 in. Sloanc Coll. 1753. ' From Moulins.' 1062. Another ; similar. D. 77 in. .Sloane Coll. 1753. 1063. (ini.i) ; double ring ; bezel clasped "hands ; two turquoises on each shoulder. The hands may be unclasped and the hoops drawn apart, working on a hinge. 18///' century. I). '8 in. Weight, 37 grains. 1064. Gnu I ; triple ring ; bezel clasped hands ; each shoulder set with a pearl ; the hoop opens on a hinge by unclasping the hands ; the centre of the three bands is pearled. 18//: century. D. '84 in. Weight, 65 grains. 1065. Gold ; triple fedc-ring of similar construction tf> the last, but without gems. 1 8/// century. 1). '94 in. Weight, 45 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1066. Another ; similar. n. '92 in. ^^'eight, 35 grains. 1067. Another. D. '9 in. Weight, 20 grains. Obtained in Corlu. 170 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1068. AXOTHEK. D. -86 in. W eight, 43 grains. 1069. Another ; silver. D. "96 in. 1070. Another; gold; the three hoops engraved, and a setting on each side of the clasped hands, one containing a red paste. D. "86 in. Weight, 48 grains. 1071. Another; the three hoops plain. In the interior: AFFECTION LOVE FIDELITY, one word on each hoop. D. II in. Weight, 115 grains. 1072. Gold ; puzzle fede-ring; five hoop.s interlacing at the back, two faceted, the rest engraved with floral scrollwork ; all are held together in front bj- applied ornament of two hands clasped over a heart. Plate XVII. \Wi. century. D. of hoop, 107 in. Weight, 208 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1073. Another ; five hoops interlacing at the back ; two are pearled and two plain ; the central hoop broader, engraved with floral scrolls, and having two clasped hands applied on the front. 18//^ century. D. of hoop, 79 in. Weight, 97 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1074. Another ; five hoops all differently engraved. D. "94 in. Weight, 129 grains. 1075. Another ; the two outer hoops plain. D. r22 in. Weight, 137 grains. 1076. Another ; four plain hoops. Plate XVII. I). '96 in. Weight, 69 grains. 1077. ANOTJHiR ; nine hoops, four of which are plain. D. '82 in. Weight, 70 grains. 1078. .Another ; silver ; five plain hoops ; the hands cnanieULd blue at the wrists. IJ. '9 in. 1079. Another ; silver ; three hoops, one of cable design. D. I '07 in. 1080. Anothkr; gold; four hoops, one cable, the others engraved with various designs. In the interior, where they interlace, arc engraved Chinese numerals. D. '92 in. Weight, 341 grains. Thr ring may itself be of Chinese manufacture. LOVt: AND MARK I AGE RINGS H' III. Uninscribed Love-rings. 1081. SiLVKR ; jiicllocd ; the hoop has at the back a nielloed panel with quatre- foils ; on the sides a transverse bar and a row of three circles with crosses, and on each shoulder a flat oval with conventional design ; oval bezel with a female bust in an octagon. Italian, I'^th coilury. D. 76 in. Cf. nos. 1032 ft'. 1082. Another ; similar; the hoop plain at back with two rows of circles with crosses ; oval bezel with bust of a ladJ^ Italian, \^lh century. D. -9 in. 1083. Another; the shoulders without the ovals as in no. io8j, but with two rows of circles containing quatrefoils ; the rest of the hoop plain. Italian, i^th ccntmy. D. •86 in. Obtained in Rome. 1084. Another; plain flat hoop with engraved shoulders; oval bezel with bust of a lady. Plate XVI. Italian, i^tk century. D.-S in. 1085. Another; shoulders channelled ; oval bezel with bust. Italian, 'i^tk century. D. •82 in. L. of bezel, 54 in. 1086. Another ; plain slender hoop; similar bust. ' Italian, \[)th century. D. -82 in. 1087. Another ; similar. D. -88 in. 1088. Silver ; twisted hoop ; bezel a heart from which issue tw o leaves. i^th century. D. i'02 in. For the design of the bezel cl. nos. ico6, IC07. 1089. Silver; once gilt : a pearled band round the hoo[) ; bezel in form of two hands holding a heart from wlii' h issue leaves, as before. i^tli century. D. -86 in. logo. Bronze ; oval bezel with twu hearts side by side ; shoulders ribbed. English, i "J til century. D. -84 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. 172 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1091. Bronze: hoop with cable edges and ornamented with alternating liearts and quatrefoils in relief. German, 1 8//^ century- IJ. I '04 in. 1092. Gold ; flat hoop ; open-work oval bezel with two flaming hearts enamelled in blue and white with an arrow between them. 1 8/// century. 1). -S in. H. of bezel, 72 in. Weight, 34 grains. 1093. Silver ; hoop of twisted wire, to which is fused an oval glass bezel with convex front of dark blue ; on this are two hands, a flaming heart, a true-love knot, &c. English, 1 S/// century. D. -84 in. Sloane Coll. 1753. Cf. nos. 1061-2. 1094. Another ; similar ; the bezel a lump of black glass with a blue heart supported by white hands. D. -S in. Sloane Coll. 1753. Cf. nos. io6i-2. 1095. Gold : the shoulders engraved with scrolls on ground of black enamel ; bezel a heart-shaped setting containing a carbuncle surmounted by two emeralds and a diamond, and flanked by two garnets. Plate X\'II. English, early 1 8M century. I-). "8 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1096. Gold ; a similar design : plain hoop ; heart-shaped bezel surmounted by three diamonds and flanked bj' two rubies ; the bezel contains a monogram in gold thread under crystal glass. Plate XVII. 18/A century. D. -98 in. Weight, 40 grains. This _ring inay be a mouming-ring, the style of some contemporary mourning-rings being identical : but the absence of names renders this attribution uncertain. 1097. Gold : the hoop surrounded by garnets in settings : heart-shaped bezel containing a monogram in gold thread under crystal glass. Plate X\'II. 18/// century. D. -92 in. Weight, 54 grains. Several of the garnets are missing. 1098. Gold : slender hoop with ribbed shoulders pierced to enclose trefoils ; heart-shaped bezel containing a monogram (M C) in gold thread under glass, and surmounted by three settings containing two garnets and a diamond. Phxte X \' 1 1. 18/// century. I>. -Si in. Weight, 30 grains. I.OVK ANI> MAkK'IA(.F. |.;INGS 173 1099. (jdl.lJ ; slender hoop similar lo last; be/.el coniijuscd of two Iiearts set with moss agates, bordered and crowned by garnets. Plate XVII. 1 8/// century. I). '82 in. Weigh!, 30 grains. 1099a. Gold ; bezel composed of two hearts in open-work interlaced, one set with garnets, the other with emeralds ; above, a crown nf the same stones alternating. Eiigtish, \^th century- D. 76 in. \Vei}j;ht, 25 grains. iioo. Gold ; tiic hoop terminates in a pair of iiands enamclK d white, siip])orting a heart-shaped bezel containing liair in a border of gnld thread, the whole beneath crystal glass. Plate XVII. 1 8//; coilnry. D. '88 in. Weight, 35 grains. (Sodcn .Smith Coll.) 1101. Gold ; the design similar to the last, though tlio hands are larger ; the bezel is set with a central emerald surrounded by garnets. At the back, a rose of six petals on a ground of dark blue or black enamel. Plate XVII. \%th century. D. '92 in. Weight, 88 grains. 1102. Gold ; double hoop opening on a hinge at the back : on each shoulder three diamonds in raised settings, each part of the hoop tcnninating in a hand in white enamel. The hands hold a heart-shaped bezel containing an emerald with diamond in a central setting, and crowned by three diamonds. The back of the bezel and parts of the hoop enamelled with foliage. Plate XVII. i8//; century. U. '96 in. Weight, 73 grains. 1103. Gold ; hoop engraved with flowers and terminating in two hands which hold a heart-shaped bezel containing a clear glass paste. Plate XVII. 18//^ century. I). "S in. Weight, 62 grains. 1104. Gold ; plain hoop with stamp R in the interior ; bezel in form of two hands holding a crowned heart. Plate XVII. 1 8 /// - 1 9//^ century. D. '96 in. Weight, 125 grains. ' Claddagh ring,' worn by lishcrnien"s wives in the Claddagli of Clahvay. The rings are said to be transferred from the mother to the daughter who is rtrst married, and so handed down as heirlooms. Tlie present example was given to .Sir A. W. Franks by the l^t. Hon. Sir W. H. (".regory, who stated that it had been obtained by his mother. 1105. AXOTIIER ; similar. Stamp GR in the interior. See figure. I). "92 in. Weight, 1 15 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 174 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1106. Gold ; on each shoulder in relief a roj'al crown, with interior of red enamel, and a crowned lion. Oval bezel covered with pink enamel in which is a setting with a lady's eye painted in natural colours beneath a diamond. German , 1 9/// century. D. -98 in. Weight, 94 grains. IV. Posy-rings. (See also Introduction.) For posy-rings see British Museum, Harley MS. 6910, and the following early books cited in Notes and Queries for 1884: A lielpe to Discourse, i2mo, 1635 ; T/ie Card of Courtship, or the Language of Love, fitted for the hutnours of all Degrees, Sexes and Conditions, 1653 ; The Mysteries of Love and Elo- quence, or the Arts of Wooing and Coinplimenting, &c., printed for N. Brooks at the Angel, Cornhill, 1658 ; A Neiv Academy of Compliments, i2mo, 1741 ; Fennell's Antiquarian Chro?iicle and Literary Advertiser, June, 1882, p. 13. Posies from rings are cited in various publications, of which the following may be mentioned : Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of London, see General Index, j-. v. Rings ; Archaeological Journal, xvi, p. 306; xvii, p. 184; xix, p. 172; XX, pp. 195. 200, 377; xxii, pp. 70, 174; Catalogue of the Norwich Castle Museum, p. 112 ; Catalogue of the Antiquities and Works of Art exhibited at the Ironmongers' Hall, London, 1869, p. 506 ; Catalogue of the Loan Exhibition of Ancient and Modern Jewellery and Personal Ornaments, London, 1873. pp. 80, 81 ; Notes and Queries, as under: second series, vol. iv, pp. 118, 166, 429 ; vol. vii, p. 251 ;. third series, vol. iii, p. 503 ; vol. iv, pp. 83, 243, 382 ; fourth series, vol. v, p. 341 ; eighth series, vol. xi, p. 328. Among preceding numbers there are several which fall under the definition of posy-rings ; cf. nos. 6i6a, 962-3, 974, 981, and various examples among signets and iconographical rings: e.g. nos. 289, 296, 558-9, 728, &c. But since the term is by general usage chiefly confined to examples made between the close of the si.xteenth century and the latter part of the eighteenth, the group which follows is restricted to that period. Except where otherwise stated, the rings are gold with plain hoops lounded on the outer side, the legends being engraved in the interior. In the greater number of cases only the ' posy ', dimensions, and collection or source will follow the number ; the weights, which vary but little, are not recorded. 1107. A + FRIND + TO + THE + END + I). 9 in. II08. A lovcing wife a happy life. \). 7 in. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS 1 75 II09. ^ true friends gift. I). -82 in. I no. A verluous wife a happy life. I). -88 in. 1 11 1. A uertiwus ivife preferueth life. 1). 74 in. 1112. SlLVKR; the interior gilded : A-bidc Witli PACience. 1). '94 in. 1113. After confeut * Eiier content. IX -88 in. 1114. A*yati5H (P'AyctTf?)) ouvbeojjoy th? leAeioTHTOS. I), ■g'? in. 1115. .] happy pair that faithfdl are. 1). -82 in. 1116. All J reftije and thee J chtife. D. '9 in. 1117. As dear to ine As Life can be. D. -86 in. 1118. As God decreed fo zee agreed. I). -8 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1119. As God decreed so we agreed. D. -8 in. II20. As god decreed fo we agreed. Goldsmith's mark |B|, D. of hoop. -83 in. (I'lraybrooke Coll.) From Eghani, Surrey. II2I, AS GOD DECREED SO WE AGREED. 1). 84 in. 112 2. As god decreed fo tvee agreed* IX I '02 in. 1123. As God hath knit to hartes in one So none shall part hiit death alone. I). -SS in. 1124. As this Ring tells tivas Bedivin Bells. D. 82 in. 1125. Afkc + and + I lane. I). -6 in. 176 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 11 26. Silver ; Be Juft to mc D. '9 in. 1127. Bee tJwii like the Culloiir. D. -66 in. The words may refer to the enamel with which the ring was once covered. 1128. Be tmu and coii/taiit. D. -Si in. 1129. Silver; broad plain hoop engraved in interior with legend : bee triicinkxrt. D. of hoop, -94 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1130. BE TREV•|N•HART• D. 72 in. 1131. Be triu, Jn, Hart > U. -82 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll. ) 1132. 6e trv Jh hart. D. -8 in. 1133. Blest from above who lives in lo%'e. D. -84 in. 1134. Gold : By god alone wee two arc one. I). '94 in. 1135- Two plain broad hoops rittiiij^ into one another and covered by a third hoop engraved on ouL-^ide with a geometrical pattern which has been enamelled. This, when drawn aside, displays on the under rings the inscription: + BY • TREVTH • YE-SHALLTRYE • ME - BY ■ TYME • YE • SHALL • SPYE ■ ME + S0- FYND SO SET BY- ME. D. -Ss in. 1136. Christ and thee my comfort be. D. '90 in. 1137. The hoop engraved on the outside with a heart pierced with arrows, an anchor, a true lover's knot, and other devices which have been enamelled ; in the interior is engraved : Conceaue eoufeut confirine content, which has also been enamelled. D. of hoop, 72 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1138. Constant to thee lie euer le. D. 72 in. II39- Content is a Kingdom. D. 74 in. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS I77 II40. Contents a treasure. I). -cSi in. 1141. Content supply's all want. D. -86 in. 1142. CONTINEW CONSTANT. D. 78 in. 1143. Continue you for I am true. D. -93 in. 1144. De nos <^%? le desir saceoniplisse. D. -85 in. 1145. Direct our xvayes Lord all our daycs; and goldsmith's mark HS. D. -86 in. 1146. Silver ; Endlefs be my Love to thee. D. -89 in. (Braybrooke Coll., no. 85.) 1147. ERAM*NON*SVM. D. 73 in. The exterior, which is keyed, was formerly enamelled. This may have been a mourning- ring. Cf. no. 1223. 1148. Ever true my Dear to You. D. 73 in. 1149. Fear God lone me. D. -84 in. 1150. The hoop forms a succession of ovals ; in the inside : Feare God only. D. -68 in. 1151. Forget not lie ivlio loveth thee. D. -84 in. 1152. God aboue inereafe our louc. D. -86 in. 1153. Hoop of triangular section ; inside : God above inereafe our Love. F P M , and a goldsmith's mark, T(l)? surmounted by a crown. D. -S in. 1154. God above inereafe our love. D. -89 in. II55- Hoop of triangular section ; God above increase our love. Goldsmith's stamp WE|. D. -96 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) N I 78 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS U56. God abo-ve fend peace atid lone. D. 79 in. n57- God alloiu of tiuo viakes one. D. -85 in. 1158. God alone made us one. D. -86 in. II59- God alone made us txi'o One. Goldsmiths mark AP D. -86 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found at Reigate. u6o. God alone made vs' tzco one. D. "85 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) n6i. God alotu we two made one. D. -83 in. n62. COD CONTINV LOVE IN VS. D. -86 in. n63. God did decree our unitcc. D. -Si in. 1164. God did decree our unity. D. 72 in. n65. God didforcfee iveefJwuld agree. D. -89 in. n66. God doth foresee whats beft for me. D. -93 in. nSy. God for me appoynted thee. D. 78 in. 1168. God hath me sent my hearts content. D. -88 in. neg. God hathfcnt my hearts content. D. -82 in. U70. Silver ; God hath sent my heart content. D. -86 in. 1171. Godly love will not remove. D. -82 in. n72. Silver ; Godly love will not remove. D. 7; in. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS 179 1173. Gods blcfsing be on tlicc and inc. 1). •§4 in. 1174. Gods blcfsing be on titcc and inc. I). -92 in. 1175. Gods decree fuUfild haue we. D. -88 in. 1176. Gods decree il'cII plcasctli inc. I). -85 in. 1177. Gods dcviuc liatli made thee inn (mine). Goldsmith's stamp [ I M | . D. 77 in. Found near Wonham Manor, Betchworth, 1859. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1178. Gods Intent none Can prenent; also an indeterminate mark, and initials I "C. 1). "92 in. (Braybrooke Coll.). 1179. God' s providence is our inheritance. D. -86 in. 1180. Gods Providence is our inJieritance. D. '91 in. 1181. Gods providence is onr inlieritancc. D. •86 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1182. God vniteth liartcs. A. P. D. -83 in. 1183. Good will is above goidd. D. 72 in. 1184. Happy in thcc Iiath God made vie. D. '92 in. 1185. Hearts content caTwt repent. D. -86 in. 1186. Hearts tliat unite find true deligjit. D. -87 in. 1187. Harts vnited line contented. D. -82 in. 1188. Hearts united live contented. D. -8 in. 1189. Hearts vnited live contented. D. -82 in. N 2 l8o CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS ngo. Hearts vnitcd live contented. Goldsmith's stamp, an anchor (?). D. -82 in. iigi. Heavens act was our compact. D. -85 in. 1192. The exterior of the hoop is wreathed and enamelled in pale blue, bands of enamel, each relieved by a small circle reserved in the metal, alternating with the gold. In the interior : Hope is tlie life of love. D. -68 in. n93. / bed adue to all hit you. D. -8 in. 1194. / cannot show the love I owe. D. "9 in. 1195. The e.Nterior of the hoop ornamented with roses and foliage in relief ; inside, the legend : / chufe not to change. D. 70 in. 1196. The hoop ornamented on the outside with roses and foliage with traces of dark blue enamel ; inside : / dare notfJww tite love J oive. D. -68 in. 1197. Brass ; I fancy none but you alotte. D. -92 in. 1198. / have obtaind whom God ordaind. D. -92 in. ugg. / ioy to find a constant mind. D. 76 in. 1200. / love and like my choyce. D. '91 in. 1201. Bronze; I Lone you. D. -86 in. 1202. Hoop ornamented with a continuous conventional design in relief with traces of green enamel. Inside: I prefent the abfent. D. 72 in. 1203. If love abide God will proiide. Goldsmith's stamp [B|. D. of hoop, -86 in. Found at Reigate. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1204. Hoop ornamented with scrolls. Inside: If loue you bare thif for r mee ware. D. 71 in. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS l8l 1205. + IF THIS THEN ME I P- I). -84 in. 1206. />! CJiris a lone ivce hvo arc one. D. -92 in. 1207. /;/ Chrift & thee my comfort be. Ij.f4 ; and goldsmith's stamp : E Y. D. 78 in. 1208. In god alone zve too ar one. D. '83 in. From Bartlow, Essex, 1S50. (Braybrooke Coll.) l2og. Brass gilt ; In god alone ivec to ar- one. D. '93 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) I2IO. In god &■ thee my joy shall be. D. -86 in. 1211. In love abide God ivill provide. IB. EB. D. -85 in. 1212. Plain rounded hoop set with a ruby in an oval setting. Inside : In lone abide till death deuidc. D. -ij in. 1213. In lone abide till death divide. D. 73 in. S 1214. Ec In love abide till death deride . D. -92 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1215. IN LOVE LINKT FAST WHILE LIFE DOT! LAST. D. -8 in. 1216. In thee I find content of mind. D. -86 in. B 1217. In thee my choice I do rejoice. T A. D. -87 in. 1218. In thee my choycc I doc rejoycc. Goldsmith's mark 1 1 1/ ] D. 'S in. From Reigate. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1219. In thy brcaft my hart doth reft. D. "9 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1220. In thy fight is my delight. D. -8 in. l82 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1221. In thy fight ts my delight. D. -86 in. 1222. In unity lets live &■ die. D. -82 in. 1223. The hoop imbricated and ornamented with a death's-head ; in the inside : In vtram qc paratus foriunavi. R. S. D. -82 in. This ring may perhaps be a mourning-ring, as its type is that of «. nos. 459 ff., and ' posies ' were occasionally engraved in mourning- rings (Notes and Queries, 2nd series, ii, pp. 393, 466). 1224. Jo^'iid in one by Chrift alone D. 93 in. 1225. loyn'd in one by God alone. D. -84 in. 1226. loyned in one by God alone. D. -93 in. 1227. Knitt in one by chrift alone. D. -85 in. 1228. Let Israeli hope in the lord. D. -85 in. 1229. Let Love abide till death devide. D. "9 in. 1230. Let love abide till death divide. Goldsmith's stamp DW| D. of hoop, -82 in. Found in churchyard at Bishop's Stortford, May, 1854. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1231. Let vie in thee inoft happy be. D. -83 in. 1232. The exterior with a band of enamelled ornament consisting of ovals alternating with conventional designs ; frequent traces of white enamel. Inside is engraved : Let noc calamity scpcrate amity, followed by two goldsmiths' marks, one with E, the other half obliterated. ,<<»" See figure. 17/// century. D. 72 in. ( Braybrooke Coll.) 1233. The hoop engraved on the outside with a floral pattern containing roses ; in the interior the inscription : Lets fi.v our louc in god abouc. . D. 77 in. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS 183 1234. Lets live & die in iDiity. D. -83 in. 1235. Let this prcfcnt my good intent. D. 77 in. 1236. Let us agree In Unity. D. 79 in. 1237. Let us Contest ivhieli shall lone best. D. -8 in. 1238. Let us share in joy and care. D. -87 in. 1239. Let vcrtue bee a guide to the. D. -82 in. 1240. Let virtue be a guide to thee. D. -82 in. I24I. Lett vertue be thy guide. D. 78 in. \1\2. LET VERTVE GYED TH . . . D. 72 in. 1243. Let vertue still direct thy will. D. -84 in. 1244. Live in Love (inscription stamped). D. -83 in. 1245. Line in lone and fear e the lord. D. -82 in. 1246. X Long X last x our x lone x ..#^ D. -82 in. 1247. Love and live happy. F. C. Goldsmith's mark, R H. D. -85 in. 1248. Gold; in the interior: Love & Live happy. Goldsmith's mark SN, with marks bearing the sovereign's head, and carat number 18, surmounted by a crown. D. 7 in. 1249. Love and live happy; and goldsmith's stamp, D A. D. -84 in. 184 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1250. Love and live happy. D. 76 in. 125L Love and live liappy. E. C. D. -86 in. 1252. Louc and Hue happy. D. -86 in. 1253. Love &■ live happy. D. 72 in. 1254- Love as L or elce I dye. D. 89 in. 1255. Love entier is my disicr. D. -42 in. 1256. LOVE IS A 10 Y. The exterior of the hoop chequered and once enamelled. See figure. D.74in. ^S5^^ 1257. Love is t]u bond of piece. D. -85 in. u 1258. Loie is tlu botid of peace. W E. D. 72 in. 1259. TORTOISESHELL AND SIL\"ER ; in the interior, on the silver, the inscription : Love me. D. 76 in. 1260. Lone ncner dyes wlierc vertiie lyes. D. -88 in. 1261. The hoop ornamented on outside with sixteen stars in relief; in the interior : Many arc thcc stars I sec yet in my eye no starr like tlue. D. 7 in. 1262. Mas valet {The man has the poiver). D. 78 in. 1263. My C? is free for God & tliee. D. "9 in. 1264. My love is true to only you. D. 74 in. 1265. My promise past shall ever last. D. 75 in. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS 185 1266. 1267. 1268. 1269. 1270. Nee fate my lone can ere rcmoue. D. "84 in. Neuer look but revieniber A • S • D. '83 in. The extciior milled ; in the interior : No cut to unkindncs. D. -82 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) No rccompence but love. U. -85 in. No recompence but love. D. -88 in. 1271. The hoop has a floral pattern once enamelled. In the interior: Norecoui- penc but remembrance. See figure. D. 74 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) jierecowpene But rememBrurue 1272. No Ric/tcs like Content. D. 71 in. 1273. Noe fate my love Can ere remove. D. 82 in. 1274. Noe hap so hard as lone debard. D. -89 in. 1275. None can preucnt the lords intent. D. -89 in. 1276. Nos OC? ^""-f <^" dicu. A- G- 1. D. -82 in. 1277. The hoop ornamented with a single boss, and engraved with a herring-bone pattern, most of which is worn away. In the interior : NOT • ThE • GYFT • B VT Tt€ -GEVER. D. '69 in. 1278. Not the valine but my love. D. -68 in. l86 • CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1279. O Lord us blefs in liapyncfs. Goldsmith's stamp, S. I. D. -S in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1280. Our \Jiauds\ and [/learts] with one consent Hath tied this [ktiot^ till [death'] preuent. The words in brackets are expressed by symbols in the engraving. Our&^s an.d^--{Siic'i one con/ent See figure. ILitfi tied t fits till »-^^^^^ preuent D. -88 in. 1281. Pari iugo dulcis tractus. D. -8 in. 1282. Pray God to make usfuch a pair As Tfaac & Rebeca were. D. -8 in. 1283. Prepared bee to folloiL' mee. D. 78 in. 1284. Silver gilt : on the outside legend in relief upon a rough ground between high rims: PRESENT EN ABSENCE. D. -66 in. 1285. Proiiidenee divine hath made thee mine. D. "92 in. 1286. Silver GILT ; Rather=dy=then=faith=deni. D. -96 in. 1287. Rather dy then faith deny. D. 76 in. 1288. Remember the giver. D. -85 in. 1289. Sin no more Lest sin consume thee & thy store. D. -93 in. 1290. Since god hath joynd us two together Let us line in lone and seme him ever. U. 78 in. 1291. Take this in part of a true heart. D. -S in. 1292. The beft Flciver by Holy Matrimony H • J/ ij-fj- D. -88 in. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS 187 1293. The hoop forms a series of ovals; in the interior is inscribed: The gift of a fir lid. IJ. 72 in. 1294. The god of peace true louc incrcafc. I). -99 in. 1295. The God of peace true Love Increafe. D. -88 in. 1296. The lord lis hlcfs ivith good siicccs. I). -84 in. 1297. The love I oive in this I show. 1298. TIic love is true that io u. U. 7 in. 1299. The • love • of • the • contenteth • me. D. 74 in. 1300. Thee and i xvill loners die. D. -85 in. 1301. Thinke ever on the giver. D. 79 in. 1302. Silver gilt ; on the outer side: + THINKE -ON • ME, between two bands of engraved conventional design. D. -82 in. 1303. The outside of the hoop ornamented with four lozenges, each containing a quatrefoil ; between them are scrolls all once enamelled. In the inside: This is tofhowc r effect J owe. 1). 77 in. 1304. Till death iioe change. D. -Si in. 1305. To gods decree we both agree. D. '92 in. 1306. To lone and peace god giues incrdfe. Goldsmith's stamp |WS D. '83 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found near Bartlow, 1854. 1307. To thee i wifh cternall blifs. D. -81 in. 1 88 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1308. Too light to requite. D. 7 in. 1309. Toiijours Fidelle. D. -Si in. 1310. * united harts death only parts. D. "94 in. 1311. United hearts death only parts. D. -SS in. 1312. Vnited Z> 'Z> death onely parts. D. -85 in. 1313. Vertue and lone is from aboiie. D. -81 in. 1314. Vertue gayneth glory. D. 75 in. 13I5' Vertue ■ only • bringeth • felecitie * D. 74 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Dug up in Wenden village, Essex, 1S55. 1316. The hoop ornamented with applied wires, plain and twisted alternately, in a figure-of-eight knot. In the inside : \ 'ertue Ride Affection. See figure. D. 76 in. 1317. Broad hoop rounded on the outside, and ornamented with an enamelled armorial shield : gules, a chevron or between three annulets of the second, supported by the letters A and G ( ? Goring). In the interior the inscription: Wee Joyne our hearts in S"'^- RL. See figure. D. -84 in. We ■ ioyne D. -84 in. I3I8. ovr • Loi'e • in • God ■ abovfe. 1319. We will agree in one cucord To live in love &■ serve the Lord. 1). -84 in. 1320. When this you fee remember mee. D. 77 in. 1321. Wlier lo-je I find my ^ I bind. D. -66 in. LOVE AND JIARRIAGE RINGS 189 1322. Whilst life is mine my lone is thine. D. "91 in. 1323. Broad plain hoop, the outside rounded, with raised rims. In the interior: Y- AM-YOVRS- FOR • EVER. D. 85 in. 1324. Bronze; y LOVE THEE. D. '9 in. 1325. Broad hoop; inside: YELD + TO • RESON + T + A. D. -82 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1326. You and I will loners die. D. -87 in. 1327. Silver gilt ; YOU • ARE • MY ■ lOY. D. "92 in. 1328. Gold ; the hoop ornamented in relief with a band of circles containing quatrefoils, alternating with semicircles and dots. In the interior is engraved thelegend: + YOVRS + Tl L + DETH. Plate XVII. D. 72 in. Weight, 30 grains. Roach Smith Coll. 1856. 1329. Gold ; in the interior a heart between two hands, followed by the word //// and a skull (death). Sec figure. D.73in. Found with a hoard |j|{ji^s=»»'"=^^j| fiC^|B>^^: their Rock and their Redeemer guard them. 1699). D. -88 in. V, Jewish Marriage-rings. These rings, which are rarely older than the sixteenth century, were apparently made in Venice and the south of Germany. The projecting building represents either the synagogue or Solomon's temple, perhaps the former. The engraved legend is usually JSIazzdl tob = Good luck. The subjects ornamenting the hoops are commonly the Creation of Kve, the Fall, the Expulsion from Eden, the Seven-branched Candlestick, &c., often enamelled, while many examples have richly enamelled floral ornament. The large Jewish marriage-ring was not worn ; the bridegroom placed it upon the middle finger of the bride's right hand during the ceremony. igo CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 1331. Gold ; with high twisted borders. The broad flat hoop has in open-work applied to a silver ground the Creation of Eve, the Fall, and the Expulsion from Eden, with the sun, the moon, and various animals, the whole being enriched with blue, green, and white enamels. Plate XVIII. Late \6th century. D. of hoop, l'03 in. Weight, 269 grains. (Octa\'ius Morgan Coll.) 1332. Gold : the hoop a broad band with borders of looped and twisted wire. The sides are covered with a pierced plate with the Creation of Eve, the Fall, and the Expulsion from Eden. In the interior are engraved the initial letters of Jilazzal iob. See figure. German, i6th century. Width of hoop, vi in. Waddesdon Bequest, 1898. C. H. Read, The Wadiiisdon Bcgiust, Catalogue of the Works of Art, &c., 1902, no. 196. 1333. Gold ; with high twisted borders. The broad hoop has ceremonial scenes applied in open-work : two figures bring ofterings of first fruits, a priest with the tables of the law, another lighting the candles on the golden candlestick, another blowing on a ram's horn, &c., enriched with enamels of various colours. In the interior is engraved Mazzdl tob. Plate XVni. Late \6th century. D. of hoop, I '03 in. Weight, 235 grains. ^334- Gold ; with raised borders of plaited wire chain ; the sides have, in pierced work applied to a broad plain hoop, the Fall, and the beasts among the trees of Eden. Plate XVIII. Late 16th century. D. of hoop, -96 in. Weight, 248 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1335. Silver gilt ; with raised borders of cable wire. The sides are ornamented with pierced designs representing the Fall and the beasts in Eden, applied to a broad plain hoop. High projecting bezel in the form of a house with four pillars at corners, high gabled roof with a \ane. Inside the hoop is engraved Mazzal tob. Plate XVIII. \(>th century. D. of hoop, I -03 in. 1336. Gold ; broad flat hoop with cable borders, inscribed on the outside with the letters i" » t3 c, probably the initials oiMazzal tob 1 'i/iya Icoldvi = Good luck, may tlicy live for ever, and ornamented with filigree bosses and pyramids surmounted with finials enamelled in blue, and looped finials ; between them flowers in turquoise and yellow, and double fleurs-de-lis in blue, green, and white enamel. Bezel in form of a gable working on a hinge, and showing in the interior a leaf of gold, unengraved ; the exterior decorated with enamelled imbrications. Plate XVIII. Gertnan, i6tlc century. D. 1-58 in. Weight, 489 grains. (John Brogden and Soden Smith Colls.) 1337- LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS Gold ; the hoop a broad band with cable borders, having on tiic five bosses of fihgree enriched with flowers in pale blue, green, and white enamel ; between the bosses enamelled ornaments in dark blue and green, each with a pale blue rosette in the middle, from which rises a loop. The place of a sixth boss is occupied by a gable with two small windows and enamelled imbrications in blue, white, and green representing tiles. The gable works on a hinge, and discloses a plain gold plate beneath. Sec figure. Gcrvian {Niiritberg), i6ih century. D. I '84 in. Width of hoop, '8 in. Weight, 500 grains. Waddesdon Bequest, 1898. C. H. Read, as above, no. 195. 1338. 191 outside Another ; similar design ; slight variations in the coloui In the interior, legend : Good luck. of the enamel. See figure. German, 16 th century. D. -64 in. Weight, 41S grains. (Braybrooke Coll.] 192 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1339. Another ; similar, with loose rings of twisted wire. The filigree bosses have only pellets ; the enamelled ornaments between them are in different shades of pale blue and green, with four loops enamelled in apple green on either side of the bezel. The enamelled imbrications on the gable are dark blue, and beneath it are engraved the initial letters of the words Mazzdl tob. The hinged gold plate within is unengraved. German, j6th century. D. 17 in. Weight, 341 grains. 1340. Gold ; broad hoop with cable borders ; round sides six filigree bosses, between which are pairs of quatrefoils enamelled blue, each flower with a pair of green leaves. In the interior, the same initial letters. \6th century. D. 1-3 in. Weight, 225 grains. 1341. Gold ; broad hoop with cable borders, the outside ornamented with a series of filigree bosses surmounted by pellets and encircled at the bases by cable wire. Between them is formal ornament in applied cable wire and pellets. In the interior are engraved the same initials. Plate XVIII, and see figure. \6th centtiry. D. 1-3 in. H. -S in. Weight, 200 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1342. Gold ; broad hoop ornamented in a similar style, but with smaller bosses of looped wire. Between two of these is a heart-shaped plaque engraved Mazzdl tob {Good luck). \6th century. D. 1-26 in. Weight, iSo grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1343. Gold ; broad hoop with borders and median band of cable pattern. Between these three bands are two identical zones of ornament consisting of filigree bosses alternating with turquoise enamelled quatrefoils ; between them are pairs of pellets. In the inside are engraved the initials of Mazzdl tob, as in nos. 1339, &c. Plate X\T II. 1 6tk century. D. of hoop, rs in. Weight, 205 grains. 1897. LOVE AND MARRIAGE RINGS I93 1344. Gold ; flat hoop with borders of twisted wire ornamented on the outer side with dome-shaped fih'gree bosses and quatrcfoils of dark blue enamel, between which are pairs of pellets. In the interior are engraved the same initials. \f)th century. D.I -24 in. Weight, 119 grains. 1345. Gold ; flat hoop with raised cable borders. On the outer side is applied ornament consisting of a series of filigree bosses between which are pairs of pellets. In the inside of hoop the same initials. Plate XVIII. i6t/i century. D. of hoop, l'25 in. Weight, 119 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1346. Gold ; flat hoop with cable borders : the outer surface has applied decoration consisting of a band of filigree bosses, between which are pairs of pellets. The bezel is an oblong applied plate, and on the inside of the hoop are the same initials. 16th century. D. of hoop, i'25 in. Weight, 116 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1347. Gilt metal ; flat hoop with ornament in relief and borders of cable pattern ; the ornament consists of conventional floral designs of turquoise-coloured and yellow enamel alternating with the letters of the words Mazzdl tab {Good luck). Plate XVIII. 16th century. D. of hoop, '98 in. 1897. 1348. Gilt metal ; the hoop a band with raised cable borders ornamented on the outer side with the words Mazzdl fob, reserved in the metal ; between the letters conventional designs also in relief. \~ih century. D. I in. 1349. Another ; similar ; the same legend. D. -88 in. 1350. Another ; similar ; the same legend. D. I in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 1351. Gilt metal ; broad flat hoop with raised borders, engraved on the outer side with four quatrcfoils in squares upon a pounced ground. The bezel represents the page of a book, engraved with the same words. idth century. D. of hoop, '86 in. 1S97. O 194 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1352. Gilt metal ; flat hoop with cable borders ; on the outer side a raised scroll inscribed with the same words, and three pierced bosses. 16th century. D. 1-34 in. 1353. Another ; similar, with the same inscription. D. I -32 in. 1354. Another. D. i-i6 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1355. Silver gilt ; flat hoop having on the outer side in low relief a lozenge band enclosing quatrefoils, between cable borders. The bezel is in the form of a rectangular building with four pillars at the comers and a pyramidal roof, the walls being pierced with a row of circular holes. See figure. 16th centwy. D. of hoop, 'S in. L. of bezel, -j in. ( Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1356. Silver gilt ; broad plain hoop ; projecting bezel in form of a building with gable roof flanked by two cylin- drical projections and two bosses : at the back a shaped shield unengraved. See figure. \'th century. D. I "4 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1357' Silver gilt : broad hoop, the exterior enamelled with the words Mazzdl tcb in red on a black ground ; projecting open-work bezel in the shape of a rectangular building with gable roof. 19/// century. D. 1-4 in. The enamel is modem and the ring appears contemporary with it. 195 H. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS. I. Commemorative of persons and events. (a) JFi^/i portraits of historical or known persons. 1358. Gold ; the hoop chased with scrolls and foliage in relief; high bezel crossed beneath by two pearled bands and containing an oval cameo in onyx with portrait of Queen Elizabeth. P/rt/^ XX, and jrc figure. 16/Z; century. D. I in. Weight, 95 grains. (Bray- brooke Coll. Formerly Herz Coll.) Nos. 1359-7,") are 'Stuart rings' worn by adherents of the royal house of that name. Cf. also Gcittlciiian's Magazine, Sept., I78S, >Si4). 1359' Gold ; slender hoop ; oval bezel with portrait of Charles I in enamel on a blue ground, with border of brilliants. Plate XIX. D. '94 in. Weight, 47 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1360. Gold ; slender hoop and oval bezel with enamelled portrait of Charles I on a blue ground ; the shoulders and the sides of the bezel enamelled with black designs on white. In the interior of the hoop is engraved: The gift of Mr. Roger Jones ; on the back of the bezel : Mr. Roger Jones. Plate XIX. D. "92 in. Weight, 58 grains. 1361. Gold ; oval bezel with portrait of Charles I on a blue ground. The sides of the bezel have flutes in black enamel, and on the back it is enamelled with a .skull flanked by C R, all in white on black ; the shoulders are also enamelled black. In the interior of the hoop, legend: Prepared be to follow me, also in black enamel. Plate XIX. D. "84 in. L. of bezel, '6 in. Weight, 53 grains. O 2 ig6 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 1362. 1363- Gold ; the shoulders with scrolls reserved upon a ground of black enamel ; the oval bezel with a bust of Charles I painted under glass. At the back of the bezel a skull in white enamel, surmounted by a crown and flanked by the letters C R in black enamel ; below, the date, Jan. 30, 1648. In the interior of the hoop, legend enamelled black : Prepared be to Follmv inc. Plate XIX. D. "9 in. L. of bezel, "52 in. Weight. 63 grains. Gold ; the hoop engraved with a wreath on a ground of black enamel ; oval box bezel with a formal rosette at the back and a band of ovals round the sides, all enamelled in black and white. It contains a miniature portrait of Charles 1 in enamel on a blue ground. Plate XIX, and see figure. D. of hoop, "81 in. L. of bezel, "64 in. Weight, 62 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) iV 1364. Gold ; shoulders rubbed and pierced ; oval bezel, reeded at back, containing a miniature of Charles I with blue background, painted under glass. Plate XIX. D. of hoop, "8/ in. L. of bezel, '54 in. Weight, 59 gn^ins. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1365. Gold : the shoulders with scrolls reserved on ground of black enamel ; oval bezel opening as a locket, and containing an enamelled portrait of Charles I with a blue ground. The lid has a table diamond in a square setting on a ground with scrolls on black enamel ; the edges and back of the bezel are also enamelled in black. Plate XIX. D. 74 in. L. of bezel, -5 in. Weight, 48 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) Before it passed into the possession of Lady Londesborough, this ring was in the collection of Horace Walpole, to whom it was given by Lady Murray Elliott ; it was sold (lot 59) on the fifteenth day's sale at StrawberT>- Hill (T. Crofton Croker, Catalogue of the Collection of Ancient and Mediaeval Rings and Personal Ornaments formed for Lady Londesborough, no. 21 S, p. 74). MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 197 -gs^g '^*^^^^>^. 1366. Gold ; on the shoulders foHate ornament reserved on ground of black enamel ; oval bezel with head of Charles I painted on a blue ground beneath glass ; on either side a raised setting with a diamond. The sides of the bezel and settings are enamelled in black with white spots. P/a/c XIX, and sec figure. D. Ss in. L. of bezel, -38 in. Weight, 55 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1367. Gold ; the shoulders, which are pierced, are enamelled in pale blue and white ; oval bezel with portrait busts of Charles I and two beardless personages in enamel under glass, with ground of pale blue and green. The edges of the bezel have a band of flutes in while ; the back is covered with white enamel with the letters C.R., a crown, and a skull in brown. P/a/c XIX. D. "S in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 43 grains. 1368. Gold ; the hoop has on each side a pierced scroll ; the shoulders are ribbed and expanding to broad foliations ; oval bezel containing a black jasper cut in cameo with a bust of Charles I to r. At the back of the bezel a conventional flower enamelled in, various colours. P/aU XIX, and sec figure. D. '86 in. L. of bezel, 7 in. Weight, 93 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Fornierly in the Herz Coll. The stone is cracked across the face. 1369. Gold ; slender hoop pierced and bifurcating at the shoulders, each of which is set with a table diamond ; flat oval bezel containing a miniature of Charles 11 under glass. P/aU XIX. D. of hoop, -87 in. L. of bezel, 71 in. Weight, 59 grains. igS CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1370. Gold ; the shoulders chased with scrolls enamelled black ; oval bezel, with sides fluted and enamelled black, containing a miniature of Charles II under glass. Plate XIX. D. of hoop, '8 in. L. of bezel, "54 in. Weight, 38 grains. 1371. Gold ; plain hoop with ridged edges ; oval bezel, with reeded convex back, containing a miniature of Charles II under glass. Plate XIX. D. of hoop, 76 in. L. of bezel, '44 in. Weight, 35 grains. 1372. Gold ; slender hoop ; rectangular locket bezel, with miniature of George II on the outside of the lid, and a miniature of one of the Stuarts inside ; the space for a third miniature is now empty. On the back of the bezel is a glass frame covering another miniature which is almost obliterated. Plate XIX. D. of hoop, •S3 in. L. of bezel, "34 in. Weight, 31 grains. 1373. Gold ; oval bezel containing a miniature of ' The Old Chevalier ' in a blue coat with frills and a red ribbon over the right shoulder, beneath a convex crystal. Plate XIX. D. of hoop, 78 in. L. of bezel, -62 in. Weight, 46 grains. 1374. Gold ; slender hoop ; oval bezel containing a miniature of ' The Old Chevalier' with guilloche border under glass, all surrounded by a border of small pastes, one of which is missing. The Chevalier wears a full wig and a broad blue ribbon over the left shoulder. Plate XIX. D. of hoop, '9 in. L. of bezel, 79 in. Weight, 73 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) ^375- Gold ; slender hoop with open-work shoulders terminating in scrolls ; oval bezel containing a miniature of ' The Old Chevalier ' under glass. He wears a powdered wig with black bow and a yellow coat with a broad blue ribbon over the right shoulder. Plate XIX. D. of hoop, 7 in. L. of bezel, "49 in. Weight, 40 grains. 1376. Gold : slender hoop ; fiat oval bezel containing a miniature of Queen Mary, wife of William III, with a skull behind her right shoulder, and date of her death — Dec. 28, 95 (1695). The queen wears a red dress trimmed with ermine ; the skull is on a table covered with a blue cloth. Plate XIX. D. of hoop, 'S in. L. of bezel, 74 in. Weight, 43 grains. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS I99 J377- Gold; the shoulders ribbed and opening into trefoils; oval bezel with reeded back containing a miniature of William III under glass. Plate XX. 1). i)f hoop. '88 in. L. of bezel, '93 in. Weight, 98 grains. 1378. Gold ; oval bezel with a dentated band round the sides, set with an intaglio portrait of William III to right, on a .sard. D. of hoop, 78 in. L. of bezel, '59 in. Weight, 77 grains. 1379. Gold ; oval bezel, reeded at the back, containing a profile portrait of Queen Anne embossed in gold-foil on a ground of black hair, all under glass faceted round the edges. On each shoulder is a square setting containing a diamond. Plate XX. D. "92 in. L. of bezel, '44 in. Weight, 45 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1380. Gold ; hoop ribbed at shoulders, which are pierced and form trefoils ; oval bezel, reeded at back, containing a bust of George I embossed in gold-foil beneath glass. Plate XX. D. of hoop, 7 in. L. of bezel, '54 in. Weight, 43 grains. 1381. Gold ; hoop moulded in scrolls ; bifurcating shoulders with applied flowers in silver gilt ; oval bezel, with reeded back, containing under glass a three- quarter portrait of George II embossed in gold-foil. Plate XX. D. of hoop, '82 in. L. of bezel, '56 in. Weight, 57 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1382. Gold ; octagonal bezel containing a topaz engraved in intaglio with a bust of George II (?) to right. D. of hoop, '82 in. L. of bezel, '44 in. Weight, 41 grains. 1383. Gold ; hoop bifurcating at the shoulders, where it is ornamented with applied leaves ; oval bezel containing a miniature, under glass and in silver-gilt setting, of one of the sons of George II, Frederick Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cumber- land, or the Duke of Gloucester. The prince wears a blue coat with red facings. Plate XX. D. of hoop, 79 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 35 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1384. Gold ; plain hoop expanding to shoulders ; oval bezel, clear set with a cameo portrait bust of George III to right, in ony.v. D. of hoop, '8 in. L. of bezel, •5S in. Weight, 48 grains. 1385. Gold ; the hoop channelled at the shoulders ; oval bezel, clear set with a cameo bust of George III to right in glass paste, by Tassie. Plate XX. D. of hoop, '£8 in. L. of bezel, "91 in. Weight, 132 grains. 200 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1386. Gold : oval bezel set with a cameo bust by \Vedg%vood of a young man to left, under a glass. He wears a tie-wig, and on his breast the star of an order. Goldsmith's stamp, \. H., and 1800. D. of hoop, '85 in. L. of bezel, i"i4 in. Weight, 155 grains. The personage is a prince of the House of Hanover. 1387. Gold : the hoop and sides of bezel ornamented with scrollwork reserved on a ground of black enamel ; oval bezel containing a portrait bust to left of William IV in enamel : the king wears a dark blue coat and the star and ribbon of the Garter. On back of the bezel: William the Foitrili By Henry Botie R A Enanicller to the Royal Family. Plate XX. D. of hoop, "82 in. L. of bezel, '^g in. Weight, 92 grains. 1388. Gold ; slender hoop ; the shouldees enamelled with flowers, much of the enamel now lost ; concave circular locket-bezel, the back and sides ornamented with a large rosette and leaves still partly filled with dark blue enamel, con- taining a bust in relief in gold of Gustavus Adolphus on a black ground ; on the edges hinge and catch of a lid. now lost. I'jth eentury. D. -86 in. Weight, 34 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1389. Gold ; slender hoop ; oval bezel with a cameo paste by Tassie — bust of Henri IV of France to right. Late i^th eentury. D. '84 in. L. of bezel, '^6 in. Weight, 33 grains. 1390. Gold ; the hoop made of three wires with transverse ribs at the shoulders : oval bezel containing a paste by Tassie — a cameo portrait of Frederick the Great, in white on dull red. Plate XX. D. of hoop, '87 in. L. of bezel, 'Si in. Weight, 68 grains. 1391. Gold ; oval bezel containing cameo portrait of William V, Prince of Orange (i 751-1806), in white glass, by Tassie. D. of hoop, -84 in. L. of bezel, l'04 in. (Lady Charlotte Schreiber Coll.) Medallions of this prince were made by Wedgwood; three examples are in the Museum (Cat. 0/ English Pottery, i, p. 215, nos. 29-31). 1392. Silver gilt ; slender hoop ; large oval bezel set with a cameo portrait of Maria I, Queen of Portugal (i 734-1816), in jasper ware, surrounded by a border of crystal pastes ; the bezel engraved at the back with sprigs down the sides. Plate XX. D. of hoop, 78 in. L. of bezel, voy in. Cf. Sir A. W. Franks, Catalogue of a Collection 0/ Continental Porcelain, i8g6, no. 5 1 1. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 20I 1393. G(il.l) ; Ihc hoop enamelled in white on the shoulders, which are pierced, the design including fleurs-de-lis ; oval bezel orna- mented on back and sides with enamel, and containing a ruby cut in cameo with a bust of Madame de Maintenon to right. ScY figure. French, early X%th century. D. ro4 in. L.ofbezel,7in. Weight, 85 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Formerly in the Herz Collection (lot 2744). i!P_ 1394. Gold ; the hoop forms four panels enamelled black, between which are three diamonds : on the panels is the inscription: Ye Rt HON HUGH Ld VISC^t FALMOUTH, reserved in the gold. Oval bezel containing a miniature portrait, under glass, of Lord Falmouth in a full wig, purple coat, and white neck-cloth ; at the back is engraved : died Oct. 2/. i"])^ Aged //. Plate XX. D. '82 in. L. of bezel, "62 in. Weight, 54 grains. (Lady Charlotte Schreiber Coll.) Hugh Boscauen, first Viscount, M.P. for Tregony, Cornwall, Truro, and Penryn. The ring should be compared with mourning-rings without portraits, catalogued below. 1395- Gold ; plain hoop ; oval bezel containing a portrait bust of John Wilkes on porcelain. He wears a wig ; the coat is pale blue. Plate XX. D. of hoop, '85 in. L. of bezel, 72 in. Weight, 49 grains. John Wilkes, imprisoned on a general warrant for no. 45 of his periodical paper. The North Briton; I\I.P. for Aylesbury, 1761, Middlesex, 1774 ; d. 1797. 1396. Gold ; hoop expanding at shoulders ; oval bezel containing paste imitation of a sard engraved with a bust of Jeremy Bentham ; at back of the bezel, the inscription : Jeremy Bentham Ob*- 6. June i^}2. ^t. 84. D. of hoop, -92 in. L. of bezel, 78 in. Weight, 121 grains. I397- Gold ; plain slender hoop ; long oval bezel containing, upon a ground of dark blue enamel, under glass a bust in porcelain of a man in a tie-wig to r. At the back of the bezel is engraved : Horatio Sharpe Esq ob. 9. Nov'' lygo ^-E' 72. Plate XXII. L. of bezel, I'l in. Weight, 120 grains. 202 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1398. Silver gilt ; flat hoop ornamented on the outside with borders of plain and cable wire.'and the letters ROMA applied in wire on each side of the bezel, which is oval and contains a cameo bust of Cardinal AntonelH in onyx. D. of hoop, "S in. L. of bezel, "67 in. Giacomo AntonelH, Cardinal, 1847: d. 1876. (tk% tn.ni*«iw.)J; \^^ '^Ss^ MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 209 second son of Charles, first Duke of Bolton. She married in 1725 William, third son of the second Viscount Townshcnd. One of their granddaughters, the Hon. Amelia Townshend, presented the ring to Lord Braybrooke in 1855. 1434. Gold ; the oval bezel contains a monogram in gold thread with the letters A and G (?) under a crystal ; round the hoop, reserved in the metal on a ground of black enamel, are an hour-glass, spade and pick crossed, cross-bones, skeleton, &c. ; inside is engraved the inscription : /Rob' i Au^ lyi^ seta ^g (yeares f) in y 1} y Reigne. D. 78 in. Weight, 53 grains. Memorial ring for Queen .Anne. For the type of hoop cf. nos. 1529-50, below. 1435. Coi'PLR ; the hoop forms a series of six panels, with inscription in letters reserved on a ground of black enamel: QJJEEN CAROLINE OB- 20 NOV. 1737. IE.. 55. Plate XXI. D. 78 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1436. Gold ; wavy hoop with inscription reserved on a ground of black enamel : GEORGIUS • 1 ■ REX • OB 25 OCT. 1760 /E. 77. D. 73 in. Weight, 22 grains. Much of the enamel is lost. 1437. Gold ; bezel an oval setting containing an onyx cameo with an urn ; round the hoop on ground of black enamel between chain borders a royal crown twice repeated, with supporters lions crowned rampant, and monogram con- taining letters L. R. three times repeated ; the design is terminated towards the bezel on each side by a crowned and rampant lion ; on the back of the bezel is engraved : G III Ob* 1820. Plate XXII. D. ri4 in. Weight, 181 grains. 1438. Gold ; revolving rectangular bezel, on one side of which is in gold on ground of black enamel a royal crown, and inscription: CAROLINA REGINA OB: 7 AUG 1821 /E. 52; on the other side, plaited hair beneath glass bordered with foliate ornament. Hoop plain at back ; shoulders chased with floral scrolls. Plate XXII. D. of hoop, -92 in. L. of bezel, -52 in. Weight, 98 grains. 1439. Gold ; hollow hoop narrowest at the back and rounded on the outer side ; swivel bezel consisting of a small medal having on one side a head of George IV with legend : Georgics IV D. G. Britannl^rum Rex. F. D. Immediately below the bust the initials J. B. M., and below these a mark resembling a crown. On the reverse the legend : Born AUGUST 12. 1762 . Died June 26 . 1830, and round the border: Al.L THE NATION LAMENTS HIS LOSS. D. 8 in. Weight, 55 grains. The initials J. 13. M. are those of J. B. Merlen, medallist. 1' 2IO CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RIXGS 1440. Gold ; bezel containing on a ground of black enamel the end of a sarco- phagus in white, bearing the letters P C (Princess Charlottei surmounted with a crown, all resen-ed in the metal. Plate XXII. D. -6 in. Weight, 17 grains. Princess Charlotte died 1817. 1441. Gold ; flat hoop expanding to the shoulders ; raised oblong bezel N surmounted by a viscount's coronet and a B by a ducal coronet: beneath, the word TRAFALGAR, all on a ground of black enamel : the coronets enriched with coloured enamels. On the exterior of the hoop is engraved: PALM AM Q_Vl MERVIT FERAT; in the interior : Lost to his country 21 Ocf 180J Aged ^7. See figure (twice real sizeL with an ( TRAE D. "84 in. L. of bezel, '66 in. Weight, 97 grains the Rev. W. P. Haslewood. 1S79. Given by 1442. Gold ; hoop ornamented on outside with floral pattern ; reserved for enamel, now lost : in the inside the inscription : Ota. Montagu, Earl of Halifax ob. ig May . iji) xt. j). English, liith century. D. 79 in. Weight, 66 grains. Charles Montagu, first Earl, fi. 1661, friend of Sir Isaac Xewton, Chancellor of the Exchequer and First Lord of the Treasury-; impeached in 1 701 without result. Created Baron Halifax, 1700: Earl of Halifax. 1714. 1443. Gold ; bezel containing a skull and cross-bones on hair, which has been surrounded by twenty-four diamonds, of which six are missing ; shoulders ornamented with skulls and cross-bones reser\-ed on a ground of black enamel ; the rest of the hoop once enamelled black. On the back of the bezel is engraved the inscription : H. G. the D. of Kingston ob. 2}. Sep. ijj)- Act. 62. Not lost but gone before. D. 78 in. Sir Evelyn Pierrepont, second Duke, K.G., b. 1711, raised a regiment of horse to oppose the Jacobites. 1444. Gold ; oval bezel containing a cameo portrait head in onyx — a bearded man to /. ; round the hoop, reserved on a ground of black enamel, the inscription : S' THO' FRANKLAND BT. OB. I'l NOV. 17S4 /E 66. D. of hoop, 75 in. L. of bezel, -84 in. Weight, 164 grains. (Hailstone Coll.) Sir Thomas Frankland, admiral on the Bahama station ; M. P. for Thirsk, 1749-S4. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 211 1445. Gold ; flat hoop with swivel bczc!, on one side of which in letters re- served upon black enamel: JE N'OUBLIERAI JAMAIS; on the other side is engraved : Frederick Earl of Bristol died S July iSo) in his "j) year. D. of hoop, '85 in. L. of bezel, '52 in. Weight, 55 grains. Frederick Augustus Hervey, fourth Earl, Bishop of Derry, advocated relaxation of penal laws against Catholics, and their admission to the House of Commons. 1446. Gold ; flat hoop with inscription on a band of black enamel in gold letters : RT. HON. SPENCER PERCEVAL: OB. 11 MAY 1812 IE 49, between ribbed bands and narrow bands of black enamel ; in the inside is engraved : died by the hand of an Assassin . . . Stamps : sovereign's head, leopard's head, crown, carat number 18, and date-letter O (181 1), with goldsmith's mark S. G. Plate XXII. D. "79 in. Weight, S3 grains. The Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, Prime Minister of England, shot while entering the lobby of the House of Commons by a bankrupt named Bellingham, who had a grievance against the Government. 1447. Gold ; with bezel containing a crystal paste beneath which is some sub- stance resembling iridescent glass ; behind the bezel are enamelled the arms of Innocent XI ; the sides are also enamelled. On the shoulders is foliate ornament on a ground of black enamel. English, about A. D. 1690. D. '82 in. Weight, 56 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) (b) In memory of other persons. 1448. Gold ; bezel in shape of a lozenge in which is engraved a circle containing a white enamelled skull and legend: MEMENTO MORI, in black enamel; I E enamelled shoulders and edges of bezel ; on back of bezel the letter SM. K Plate XXI. \']th century. D. -91 in. Weight, 155 grains. 1449. Gold mourn ixg-ring ; flat hexagonal bezel with a cavity once containing a death's-head ; slender hoop with the shoulders shaped as scrolls. On the back of bezel are engraved the letters ^^ . ^ English, about A. D. 16 10. D. 77 in. Weight, 39 grains. 1450. Gold : circular bezel containing an enamelled death's-head surrounded by the legend : FCELIX • CONCORDI A • FR ATRUM. The shoulders of the hoop arc i' 1 212 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS scrolled and ornamented with white and green enamel. Inside the bezel are u engraved the letters , . . Plate XXI. English, ijth ccuinry. D. "83 in. Weight, 120 grains. Compare nos. S12-22, which, not having names or initials, have been classified as devotional. Rings of the memento mori r\pe were, however, used as mourning-rings : jewellers probably stocked them, and names or initials were subsequently added to order. Xos. 1487- 93 below may have been stocked in a similar way; they may be regarded as potentially mourning-rings, though some might equally well be considered devotional. 1451. Gold ; octagonal bezel containing white enamelled skull and the legend : Hodie mihi eras tibi, in black enamel. I'lth ecJittiry. D. -81 in. Weight, 112 grains. From Rushton, Cheshire. 1452. Gold ; hollow oval bezel engraved with a skull, once enamelled, and legend : REMEMBER DEATH: round the sides of the bezel the name lOYCEYEMAN, in letters reserved for enamel, which is lost. \']th eentury. D. -96 in. Weight, 160 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Cat. of the Loan Exhibition of Ancient ami Modern Jevjellery, South Kensington, 1872, no. 906. 1453. Gold ; the hoop, which is enamelled in white, has at the back two clasped hands, the rest representing two skeletons supporting a coffin-shaped bezel. This has a movable lid fastened with a pin, and ornamented with a IVIaltese cross, once enamelled red, on a black ground with hearts reserved in the metal ; when opened, it displays another skeleton within. On one end an enamelled cinquefoil. Plate XXI. D. "84 in. L. of bezel, "4 in. Weight, 93 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) The clasped hands, usually a feature of love-rings (see nos. 1002 AT. ), should be noticed. It is not easy to say whether this ring should be regarded as a mourning-ring in the usual sense of the word, or whether it had a devotional purpose. L^54. Gold mourning-ring ; plain hoop : on the inside the inscription : W • I • L 1592. D. 78 in. Weight, 68 grains. H55' Gold ; plain hoop rounded on the outside ; on the inside the inscription : A- Goldsmith's mark t^. 1727 D. '86 in. Weight, 104 grains. 1456. Gold ; plain hoop rounded on outside; in the inside : Feyy i), 1^2} M.S., with goldsmith's mark CM. D. '94 in. Weight, 114 grains. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 2I3 1457. Gold ; the bezel contains a double pearl ; round the hoop inside is engraved : A^onc can prevent tlic Lord's intent. English, 1 7/// century. 1). -84 in. Weight, 95 grains. 1458. Gold ; the hoop, which is of triangular section, has been enamelled ; on the inside is the inscription : Ante obituvi nemo beatus. English, I'/th century. D. 78 in. Weight, 50 grains. 1459. Gold ; the hoop has on the outer side a laurel wreath reserved on a ground of white enamel ; in place of bezel is the outline of a skull ; in the inside of the hoop : Wee part to mecte. Et : ig mar : 16^8. D. 75 in. Weight, 55 grains. 1460. Gold ; hoop wreathed on the outside ; ia the inside, legend : Hope helpeth greife, followed by a goldsmith's stamp. English, \~tli century. D. "63 in. Weight, 27 grains. 1461. Gold ; the hoop has on the outside a floral scroll which has been enamelled ; in the inside is engraved : I^C May 6th ij6i. Goldsmith's mark P.C. See figure. D. '9 in. Weight, 108 grains. 1462. Gold ; plain hoop with a skull engraved on the outside, probably once enamelled ; in the inside, legend : In memory of RR. 1664. D. 79 in. Weight, 35 grains. 1463. Another ; with the same device as the last ; inside, legend : H. L. obiit /. Rlay i66g. D. -83 in. Weight, 58 grains. 1464. Another; similar; inside: In memory of A. S. ob. ) Aug. •]). D. 78 in. Weight, 42 grains. 1465. Another ; in the interior -.IS: obyt Dee. y'' ij : jj. D. 74 in. Weight, 45 grains. The date is 1675. 1466. Another; legend: E.//. ob' ij Sep' S^ yEta. 21 : goldsmith's mark R. M. English, lyth century. U. 'Bi in. W'eight, 48 grains. 1467. Another; legend: S. J. Advan^ to glory Dee. 24Q.. Goldsmith's mark B. \']th century. D. 7 in. Weight, 45 grains. 214 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1468. Another ; legend : Bee prepared M. B. July 79. I //A century. D. 75 in. Weight. 60 grains. Obtained at Bildeston in 1S83. 1469. Another; Meuwriajusti actema R. W: goldsmith's stamp, P R, in a shield. D. -8 in. Weight, 33 grains. 1470. Another : J/. 5. ob 24 MA Y lyo) xi. 68. ^^^sgr^^r-^ See figure. ^^^^^0 D. 77 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1471. Another ; the skull containing black enamel ; inscription : C. A. ob' ij Dec. /08 aet. 6/. D. 7 in. Weight, 60 grains. The date is 170S. 1472. Another ; the skull enamelled ; in the interior : T. H. oV 16 Dec' ijii 3eta 6j. D. 74 in. Weight, 61 grains. 1473. Another ; the skull without enamel ; legend : L . H ob 10 Jan ij}) xt 68. Goldsmith's stamp '(E3D. D. -83 in. Weight, 73 grains. 1474. Another; the skull between panels of imbricated ornament. In the interior, legend : S- N' obijt /.^"' Aprill i6gi. Goldsmith's mark D A. D. 79 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1475. Another ; in addition to the skull, floral design once enamelled, covering the whole hoop ; in the interior, legend : ^V = ^V = ol^ = i^ Xov I/OJ xta 22. D. '85 in. Weight, So grains. 1476. Another : similar, the enamel perfect ; in the interior : Eliz. NicJwlas oif 4 Mar. Ijj2 xi. 22. Goldsmith's mark (KE. C D. -83 in. Weight, 68 grains. 1477. Another ; similar ; inscription : Quos irrupta tenet Copula. D. 72 in. Weight, 32 grains. 1478. Another ; in the inside the inscription : Jn^Eignell ob* } Aug. I-J2j xt. /6. with goldsmith's stamp K. S©. D. -83 in. Weight, 88 grains. 1479. Another: in the inside: S. S. Arni.ob. 2g Aug. ij24' Aet.6}; goldsmith's mark B. Plate XXI. D. -89 in. Weight, 100 grains. mi:morial and ofticial rings 215 1480. Another; in the inside: K • Packer ol>. y Dcc^ i-j28' xt. p, Tind a gold- smith's mark B. D. "94 in. Weight, 7S grains. 1481. Another; in the inside: T. W. od' jo Mar. ij2() xtat. 7/. Traces of a goldsmitli's mark. I). -94 in. Weight, 76 grains. 1482. Anotiikr ; sifnilai, but with white enamel ; in the inside : W.S.oh.^ May I-]}!. Goldsinith's stamp Ml. (£. Plate XXI. I). 77 in. Weight, 63 grains. 1483. Gold ; round the outside of the hoop, in black and white enamel, skulls and cross-bones ; between them rosettes reserved in the metal. In the inside, legend : A deare f rend gift, and goldsmith's stamp R. I'/th century. D. "6 in. Weight, 19 grains. Much of the enamel is lost. 1484. Gold ; the hoop has on the outside a skull between two pairs of cross-bones in white enamel on a black ground : in the inside, legend : In death fhees blejt Since Jicancns her reft, with a goldsmith's stamp. \'ith century. D. 7 in. Weight, 51 grains. 1485. Gold; the hoop of triangular section enamelled on the outer side with a death's-head in white upon black; the rest of the enamel lost. In the interior, legend : Not loft but gone before. Goldsmith's stamp DA. I'jth century. D. '84 in. Weight, 118 grains. i486. Gold ; oblong bezel containing a skull between the letters A. S. in gold thread beneath a crystal paste. On the shoulders of the hoop are black enamelled panels with small leaves reserved in the metal : in the inside is the inscription : A. S. 6 Nov. i'/2.f, and a goldsmith's stamp KP. D. 76 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1487. Gold ; mourning-ring; octagonal bezel containing a skull and cross-bones in enainel ; on each shoulder are three enamelled black roses in applied settings ; below, on each side a jsanel of foliate orna- ment reserved upon a black enamel ground ; on the back of the bezel is a lozenge-shaped panel containing a cross fleurettee x:jj>.^_--^^ executed in the same manner. See figure, i^tli century. D. "64 in. Weight, 46 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) See note to no. 1450. 2l6 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1488. Gold ; the bezel is an oval setting containing an enamelled skull and cross- bones with a scroll inscribed : memento mori. On each shoulder is a diamond in a raised setting. The exterior of the slender hoop is enamelled in blue, white, and j^ellow ; the back of the bezel has a radiating design in red, \ellow, and white on a blue field. About A. D. 1700. D. 72 in. Weight, 52 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.l Much of the enamel is lost. 1489. Silver gilt ; the bezel consists of an enamelled skull, the eyes and nose set with diamonds ; the hoop is a series of figures of eight, alternating with eight diamonds. English, 18/// century. D. 76 in. 1490. Gold ; the bezel a skull and cross-bones in white enamel on black ground ; shoulders are omamented with floral scrolls reser\-ed on a ground of black enamel. Early iSi/i century. D. "68 in. Weight, 26 gfrains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1491. Gold ; on each shoulder a panel of foliate ornament reserved upon a ground of black enamel ; bezel in form of an enamelled skull and cross-bones. M^^ Sec figure. English, early \%th century. £ D. 78 in. Weight, 46 grains. 1492. Gni.D ; bezel a death's-head of white shell, the eyes set with diamonds : a diamond in a setting on each shoulder, which is pierced and enamelled in black and white. 18/// century. D. 72 in. Weight, 34 grains. 1493- Gold ; bezel an enamelled skull ; on each shoulder a diamond in a silver setting ; hoop formed of two serpents intertwined, a head and tail at each shoulder. At the back of the bezel cross-bones in relief. 18/// century. D. -68 in. Weight, 30 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1494. Gold ; bezel a skull mask enamelled in white, with a crown set with three diamonds above it ; shoulders pierced and set with diamonds in silver settings. At the back of the crown is engraved : L M. 1759. D. -82 in. Weight, 27 g^ins. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 21 7 Nos. 1495-1527 belong to the second general type mentioned in the prefatoiy note. 1495. Gold ; the circular bezel contains in gold thread on hair the letters E. P. in a looped border, all beneath a crystal paste ; on the shoulders, herring-bone pattern reserved upon a ground of black enamel. Eng/is/i. late i']th century. D. 77 in. Weight, 44 grains. 1496. Gold ; on each shoulder a panel with scrolls upon a ground of black enamel now almost entirely lost ; oval bezel containing a monogram T H on a ground of plaited hair, under a crystal paste, and ornamented on the sides by flutings filled with black enamel with white dots. In the inside is engraved : ob' ^ mar : buried : g : i6gj aged jj. See figure. D. 79 in. Weight, 37 grains. 1497. Another ; of the same t3'pe. On the back of the bezel are engraved the initials D K surmounted by an earl's coronet, and inside the hoop : ob. ji July 9/ xta 79. D. 74 in. Weight, 46 grains. The date is 1695. 1498. Another ; of the same type, the bezel containing a monogram in gold thread beneath a faceted crystal paste. D. 73 in. Weight, 49 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1499. Another ; the octagonal bezel contains, under a red paste, a monogram in gold wire flanked by two winged (?) figures supporting a coronet. D. -i,-; in. L. of bezel, '4 in. Weight, 40 grains. 1500. Another ; the octagonal bezel contains a monogram in gold thread within a looped border. D. '92 in. Weight, 65 grains. 1501. Another ; octagonal bezel containing beneath glass a monogram in gold wire within a looped border of the same. D. -8 in. L. of bezel, -4 in. Weight, 38 graing. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1502. Another ; the bezel contains a skull and cross-bones within a looped border of gold wire ; on the back are engraved the letters I. W. D. -82 in. Weight, 85 grains. 1503. Another ; oval bezel with a white skull and cross-bones and the letters W C in gold thread in a border of the same, all under a faceted crystal paste. D. 78 in. Weight, 45 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 2l8 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1504. Another ; oval bezel containing plaited hair surrounded by a looped border of gold thread, beneath a crj'stal paste. Behind the bezel are engraved the letters P. H. English, late iTtJi century. D. 73 in. Weight, 44 grains. 1505. Another ; hexagonal bezel containing a monogram in gold wire within a looped border of the same under a crystal paste. D. '92 in. L. of bezel, -4 in. Weight, 34 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1506. Another; bezel containing a monogram MD with looped border in gold thread on red foil beneath a faceted crystal paste. Plate XXI. D. 74 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1507. Another ; oval bezel containing a monogram in gold thread over hair beneath a crystal paste. D. 71 in. Weight, 35 grains. The enamel is almost entirely lost. 1508. Another ; oval bezel containing a left eye painted beneath a crystal paste. D. '83 in. Weight, 56 grains. 1509. Another ; the oval bezel contains on a background of plaited hair a skeleton in gold thread holding an hour-glass and a torch, all beneath a crystal paste. At the back of the bezel is engraved : M. F. obit Aug. 2) <)8. See figure. D. 76 in. Weight, 58 grains. The date is 1698. 1510. Another ; the bezel containing a monogram in gold thread with a looped border under a crj'stal paste. D. 'Si in. Weight, 55 grains. Most of the enamel on the shoulders is lost. 1511. Another ; the bezel is hexagonal, containing a garnet engraved in intaglio with a shield of arms, quarterly, i and 4 (?), 2 and 3 a lion rampant ; above, two crested helms and the initials H. M. D. '82 in. Weight, 51 grains. The arms on the intaglio are German. 1512. Another ; oval bezel with initials N L in gold thread, above which is a skull with cross-bones, all on a ground of hair ; inside is the inscription : N L na 14 Aug. lyo) ob. j Ian. ijoj. D. '83 in. Weight, 68 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 219 1513. Another ; the bezel containing a skeleton holding an hour-glass, in metal upon a ground composed of a soft black substance. V. of hoop, '84 in. Weight, 71 grains. The glass paste protecting the bezel is missing. 1514. AXOTHEK ; in addition to the foliate ornament of the shoulders, the hoop has at the back a skull, also once enamelled ; oval bezel set with a faceted crystal paste. In the inside of the hoop is engraved : A. T. od' y 2} Feb. lyio xta 14. D. '9 in. Weight, 56 grains. 1515. Another ; octagonal bezel containing a representation of a skull and cross- bones, &c., upon a ground of hair ; no skull upon the hoop. In the inside the inscription : M S obijt it Jany i-ji8. D. •84 in. Weight, 70 grains. 1516. Another ; the hoop as before, but the bezel reeded at the back and not enamelled. It contains a monogram in gold thread beneath a crystal paste. D. "84 in. Weight, 43 grains. 1517. Another ; oval bezel with a monogram in gold thread under a crystal paste, surrounded by eight smaller pastes. The sides of the bezel have enamelled flutes as in previous examples. See figure. D. '77 in. Weight, 76 grains. 1518. Another ; similar, but with pastes on the shoulders in place of enamel ; beneath the larger central paste the letters f^ n in gold thread. At back of bezel, date 1718. D. "Si in. Weight, 75 grains. 1519. Another ; oval bezel containing a monogram in gold thread within a looped border. On the shoulders are two diamonds in raised settings. See figure. D. "8 in. Weight, 70 grains. 1520. Another ; bezel containing a monogram in gold thread within a looped border, beneath a crystal paste ; on each shoulder a heart between foliations, all reserved upon a ground of black enainel. D. '82 in. W'eight, 52 grains. The ornament on the shoulders, like that on the next eight examples, is a variation, but the general type of the ring remains the same. 220 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1521. AXOTHER ; the hoop ornamented on each shoulder with black enamel in three parallel channels ; octagonal bezel containing a panel of silver thread beneath a crystal paste. D. 74 in. Weight, 39 grains. 1522. Another ; oval bezel containing a monogram in gold thread with loop border on a background of hair, the whole beneath a faceted crystal paste. Slender hoop, each shoulder chased with a leaf. D. 'jS in. Weight, 31 grains. 1523. Gold ; bezel containing a crystal paste, beneath which is a monogram within a loop border of gold thread over plaited hair ; beneath it is enamelled with a lozenge in green upon a ground of dark blue with white spots (most of the enamel lost). The hoop is enamelled on the shoulders with a blue lozenge with central white spot on a ground of black enamel ; each shoulder branches into three before it meets the bezel. Plate XXI, and see figure. D. '84 in. Weight, 47 grains. 1524. Gold ,- plain octagonal bezel, bevelled on the under side, containing a com- plicated monogram in gold thread, flanked by two skeletons supporting a crown, all beneath a cr\-stal paste ; plain hoop with a channel on each shoulder. D. -83 in. Weight, 50 grains. 1525. Gold ; plain hoop ; bezel containing a monogram NW in gold thread on hair beneath a crystal paste ; on the back, A C in gold thread beneath glass. D. 76 in. Weight, 36 grains. 1526. Gold ; octagonal bezel, reeded beneath, containing a monogram in gold thread beneath a crystal paste : the hoop is ribbed on the outer side. D. '84 in. Weight, 52 grains. 1527. Silver ; oval bezel reeded beneath and containing a cipher in gold thread, with a basket in silver, all beneath a crystal paste ; each shoulder of the hoop is set with a garnet, and pierced with scrolls. Ettglis/i, 18/// century. D. -8 in. 1528. Gold ; rectangular bezel set with a large table-cut crystal and enamelled on the sides ; on the shoulders foliate ornament reserved on a ground of black enamel. English, 1 8/// century. D. '85 in. Weight, 71 grains. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 221 (f) R/i{^s Z0///1 skeletons, &e., yoiind hoops. Nos. 1529-50 belong to the third general type mentioned in the prefatory note on p. 207. 1529. Gold ; round the outside of the hoop a skeleton, cross-bones, pair of wings, and hour-glass, reserved on a ground of black enamel ; in the inside the inscrip- tion : In mem. I. IV. Arch. Rock, ob' 11 Jitnc -jcf (John Lee Warner, arch- deacon). Plate XXI. D. -92 in. Weight, 122 grains. Found at Catwick. East Riding of Yorkshire. The date is 1679. 1530. Another ; all the enamel lost ; skeleton, cross-bones, and foliate ornament ; inside: In mem: S: P: ob' ^ N'ov 8) aetat 2j. Goldsmith's stamp \. C. in shield. D. 74 in. Weight, 91 grains. Date, 1685. 1531. Another; a skeleton with an arrow between the legs, crown, cross- bones: hour-glass, pair of wings, star, spade and pick crossed, and a panel inscribed: MEMENTO MORI, over a sword and two crossed spears. In the inside the inscription : CJ!? le 29 Mars lyi^. D. '83 in. Weight, 80 grains. (Bateman Coll.) Found in Suffolk. 1532. Another ; copper ; once enamelled and gilt ; round the hoop, skeleton, hour-glass, cross-bones, and rose, reserved in the metal for enamel, now lost. D. -87 in. 1533. Another ; gold ; skeleton and cross-bones reserved on a ground of black enamel ; in the inside the in- scription : Cap* Rob* Jaekscn ob' 29 Oel. I-J26. xt. j6. Gold- smith's stamp m. a. Co^j-^S? ^aJ^on. "SJ* £9 rtfjs e crf^6~E3 See figure. D. 74 in. Weight, 76 grains. 1534. Another ; similar ; skeleton and conventional designs on black enamel. In the inside: God hath fent my hearts ecntent. R. C. IJ2J. Goldsmith's stamp R G. D. -89 in. Weight, 94 grains. 222 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1535- Another ; skeleton, cross-bones, and crossed pick and spade, on black enamel. In the inside: /. A', ob: Nov: 21 . ij2g. Indeterminate goldsmith's mark. D. ■& in. Weight, 91 grains. 1536. Another ; skeleton, cross-bones, hour-glass, and crossed pick and spade. In the interior: ZtV love abide till death devide; goldsmith's mark I R. D. 82 in. Weight, 78 grains. 1537. Another; white enamel ; skeleton and cross-bones, and MEMENTO MORI. In the inside : IF"' Fletcher ob' 4 iMay ij^i acta sg. Goldsmith's mark Wi.^. D. -8/ in. Weight, 96 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1538. Another ; black enamel ; skeleton, cross-bones, and crossed spade and pick. In the inside : D. Westcomb ob. 7 Sep. ly^i xt. 44. Goldsmith's mark (121. e D. 'Sa in. Weight, loi grains. ^539- Another : white enamel ; skeleton, cross-bones, hour-glass, and pick and spade crossed. In the inside : John Haughton ob 1} Dec. ij^) ae. 24/^. Gold- smith's mark C. J. Plate XXI. D. -88 in. Weight, 88 grains. 1540. Another ; skeleton, cross-bones, hour-glass, pick and spade crossed ; in the inside, inscription : Elis. Faggc ob' 29 Jul. IJ4'J. xt. ^7. D. '85 in. Weight, 95 grains. 1541. Another ; black enamel ; skeleton, cross-bones, pick and spade, and hour- glass. In the inside : Mich^ Wood ob. 2j Dec. !■])<). Goldsmith's mark M C(?). D. "86 in. Weight, 65 grains. 1542. Gold : similar hoop, with skeleton, cross-bones, and quatrefoil on black enamel, with the addition of a bezel in shape of a coffin containing a white enamelled (?) skeleton under a clear paste. In the inside : K. Vemey ob' Nov' 20: 1698: xt ^y. Goldsmith's stamp 1Z 0- D. '81 in. Weight, 43 grains. 1543. Another ; similar ; on hoop, skeleton, crown, and a panel, with MEMENTO MORI over two arrows crossing a dart, all on black enamel. Inside is the inscription : /« viemoria I. T. ob' 7''' Aprill ij2i : goldsmith's mark R H. D. '82 in. Weight, 89 grains. 1544. Another ; skeleton in bezel ; on hoop, skeleton and crown on each shoulder, on black enamel. Inside: Memento W H ob' 2) July IJ22. Gold- smith's stamp R H. U. '9 in. Weight, 50 grains. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 223 1545. Another ; in the bezel the letters H M in gold thread, surmounted by a skull ; round the hoop, skeleton, pick and spade crossed, and panel with MEMENTO MORI over three darts crossed, all on black enamel. Inside, the inscription : //. MainidrcU oh. iS Oct. iy22. Plate XXI. D. 76 in. Weight, 64 grains. 1546. Another ; almost identical ; in the inside, inscription : R. P. 12 jiinc i']}4 yE 2) . Red. J. the time. D. '84 in. Weight, 67 grains. 1547. Another ; similar bezel ; single skeleton on hoop. See fiffure. 13. '92 in. Weight, 66 grains. (Sodcn Smith Coll.) 1548. Gold ; rectangular bezel containing representation of a skull beneath a crystal paste; hoop with a skeleton and other symbols on black enamel: in the inside is the inscription : R. H. obijt 2 May i']2^. Goldsmith's stamp B. D. '84 in. Weight, 67 grains. The outer surface of the ring is much worn. 1549. Gold ; rectangular bezel set with half a cylindrical bead of coral ; hoop with skeleton, hour-glass, and pick and spade crossed, all on black enamel ; inside the hoop the inscription: think of y" giver T M. Goldsmith's stamp N. D. -84 in. Weight, 78 grains. 1550. Gold ; rectangular bezel, formerly containing a stone or paste ; hoop with a skeleton, hour-glass, pick and spade crossed, and cross-bones, on black enamel. In the inside the inscription : Eliz. Bayley ob^ 11 May ijji xt. j^. D. 'Si in. Weight, 49 grains. The following numbers, 1551-1597, illustrate the fourth general t}-pe men- tioned in the prefatory note. 1551. Gold ; round the outside, reserved on a ground of black enamel, a skull, and inscription: B. SOUTHWOOD OB 22 JAN. 17;51 . /E. 83. The hoop is bevelled in the interior. D. '84 in. Weight, 56 grains. 1552. Gold ; a plain hoop ; on the outside, on a flat raised band of black enamel, an inscription in reserved letters: JOHN EMERTON ESQ. OB. 10 AUG, 1745 ^. 86. In the interior, goldsmith's mark I.C. D. "83 in. Weight, 81 grains. 224 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1553. Another ; similar, but with pearled edges ; inscription ; GILBERT ■ ALLIX . ESQ_, OB. 27 JUNE. 1767. ^ 73. Goldsmith's mark TS., partly effaced. Plate XXII. D. '8 in. Weight, 89 grains. 1554. Another ; inscription : Bricc Fisher Esq. ob. 28 May. iy6y act. jg. Gold- smith's mark E.P (?), partly effaced. D. '87 in. Weight, 79 grains. 1555- Another; inscription: REV : EDWd SANDERCOCK OB. 2 JAN. 1770 IE. 66. Goldsmith's mark JN (?), twice repeated. D. '84 in. Weight, 84 grains. (Hailstone Coll J 1556. Another; with white enamel ; inscription: ANN WILLIAMS OB. 14 SEP. 1772 IE. 20. Two goldsmiths' marks, one R A, the other indeterminate. D. '9 in. Weight, 80 g^ins. 1557- Another; black enamel, as before; inscription: THOMAS • BENTLEY OB. 26 NOV. 1780 >E : 49 : D. "9 in. Weight, 81 grains. (Frere Coll.) Thomas Bentley was partner of Wedg\vood the potter. 1558. Another; inscription: JUDITH ■ SHELDRAKE • OB • 26 OCT ■ 178S • ;€-44. In the inside is engraved : Jesus the Lord his harp employs. Goldsmith's stamp Vl(?). D. -81 in. Weight, 62 grains. Found at Hadleigh, 1884. 1559. Another; inscription: CHRIS' M^EVOY OB. 11 JULY 1792 T. 73. D. "85 in. Weight, 67 grains. Most of the enamel lost. 1560. -Another; outside the hoop, on black enamel, the inscription: ANN • ABRAMS • 17 ■ AUG • 1795 • ^ • 93 ; in the inside is engraved: In eonftatiei let us life and die. D. '84 in. Weight, 69 grains. 1561. Another ; flat hoop with inscription outside on a band of black enamel between two bands of white: ROBt BATTERSBY OB. 18 DEC. 1799 /E. 45. Goldsmith's mark, and London date-letter for 1799 (D),with lion and sovereign's head. D. 78 in. Weight, 67 grains. (Hailstone Coll.) 1562. Another ; similar, but broader ; raised milled bands enclosing the enamel ; on the black band: JOHN MORGAN ESQ_OB. 24 JAN 1808 k. 53. Gold- smith's mark I.P, sovereign's head, lion and M 1 London date-letter for 1807). D, 74 in. Weight, 81 grains. MEMORIAL AND OI FICIAI. RINGS 225 1563. Anotukk ; on a wavy band of black enamel, it-^clf on a brnarler white band, the inscription: M" BARBARA DAVENPORT • DIED I NOV. ISIl'. AGED .>7 ; raised milled border.'^. Ciold.smith's .stamp MC. sovereign's hcafl, lir.n, and date- letter for iHi2. D. '66 in. Weight, S8 grains. 1564. Anoiiikr: similar, but all the enamel black; inscription: GEO. BOGLE ■ OB • 11 • NOV • l,si:5. ^T.."il. In the interior, goldsmith'.s mark W.A, sovereign's head, lion, and date-letter for iiSi^. I). 72 in. Weij^ht, 77 grains. ^S^S- (ioi.D; the hoop on outside has raised holders of black enamelled scrolls separated by rosettes, and between the borders, in relief, on a cross-hatched ground, the legend : III lllElllOr)' of- In the inside of the hoop is engraved : E/ki'. Mi-yrii-k Esq ob. ^ July rS2^ xl. 62. Goldsmith's stamp V^.E., sovereign's head, crown, leopard's head, carat number 18, and date-letter (K) for 1825. D. "85 in. Weight, 109 grains. 1566. GoLli; round the hoop reserved upon black enamel the in.scription : Vy/C-RC-OBT. IVLYS-1715; small coffin-.shaped bezel with an enamelled skeleton holding dart and hour-glass, upon a ground of hair. D. 77 in. Weight, 48 grains. 1567. Another; similar; in.scription: BERf^o KENdy qBt DECbr 12. 1 7 IS. I). 76 in. Weight, 60 grains. 1568. Another ; similar ; inscription : I • HOWKAR • N AT • !) FEB • K;." • OB ■ K) lUNE 1722. I). 71 in. Weight, 64 grains. The enamel is all lost. 1569. Another; white enamel; sides of bezel reeded; inscription: K. IVenborn oh. ^. Dec. 1^24. .Et. 2^. D. 75 in. Weight, 41 grains. 1570. Goi.l) ; hoop of triangular section with two faces on the outer side, each having an inscription reserved upon an enamel ground. Upon one, on a white ground, is : ELIZ: BROOK 1 NG OB. 17 DEC. 172!) ZEIS; on the other, on black: SUZAN BROOKING OB. '.i NOV. 17:51 /E. U : oval bezel, with reeded back, set with a sapphire. U. of hoop, 72 in. Weight, 37 grains. 1571. Gold ; small rectangular bezel set with a crystal paste and reeded on the under sides ; round the hoop, in letters reserved on black enamel : I. TUCKER • OB 12 NOV 1729- AETiO. D. -86 in. Weight, 70 grains. 226 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1572. Another ; of similar type, the bezel containing an emerald paste ; inscription in three compartments separated by ribs: FRA. CANNING AR. OB. 29 JAN. 1732 /ET. 67. D. 77 in. Weight, 43 grains. 1573- Another ; the bezel, flanked by two diamonds, contains a skull under a crystal paste. Inscription : SUS. MARTIN OB • 1 ■ OCT ITlo /ET. 10. D. "84 in. \\eight, 66 grains. 1574. Gold ; the bezel contains a garnet flanked by two pairs of emerald pastes. Inscription: THO • SHORT OB. JUNE 1722 /ET. 52. D. 76 in. Weight, 37 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Almost all the enamel is lost. 1575- <~'OLD ; inscription : J : STUCKEY • OB 7 JULY 17U /ET. 86. The shoulders bifurcate, and each supports a setting containing a diamond. The bezel is a box setting reeded at the sides and containing a foiled sapphire. D. of hoop, 75 in. L. of bezel, '29 in. Weight, 49 grains. 1576. Gold ; the bezel is circular, containing a Scotch pearl surrounded bj- amethysts ; round the hoop, inscription ; M. BELL-OB'. "5 JUNE 1748 /E: 74. D. -82 in. Weight, 38 grains. 1577- Gold ; oval bezel containing a double knot of hair between two pieces of glass surrounded by garnets ; round the hoop inscription reserved on a ground of black enamel : JANE WILLOCK DIED 13 OCTR 1764 /E. 62. D. '85 in. Weight, 38 grains. 1578. Another ; similar, but with trefoiled shoulders ; similar bezel, but with reeded back ; on hoop inscription : ]Valf Stonestrcct ob. 9 Apr. i-j6) Ai. jo, on black enamel. I). -96 in. Weight, S3 grains. 1579. Gold ; the oval bezel contains plaited hair beneath glass ; inscription on white enamel : Fauney Farley ob. 26 Sep. ijSS xt. j. D. -85 in. Weight, 62 grains. 1580. Another; similar, but bezel contains, under glass, a tree executed in hair on ivory ; round the hoop, on white enamel : JANE LEPLA OB. 22 JAN. 1768. /E. 17. ' P/aU XXII. D. '84 in. Weight, 48 grains. 1581. Another ; bezel set with a piece of ivory under glass, on which clouds and distant hills arc sketched in blue, while in the foreground arc two trees done in hair; inscription on white enamel: JOHN • BL Al K I E • OBT 2() MA" 1770. /E 6. D. 78 in. Weight, 36 grains. MEMORIAL AND OTFICIAL RINGS 227 1582. AXOTIII'.R ; oval bezel containing an urn overshadowed by a cypress-tree done in hair in the same manner; round the hoop, on black enamel: MARY . RAWLINGS-OB • DEC. 177t. /E. 70. I), of hoop, -82 in. L. of bezel, -53 in. Weight, 49 grains. 1583. Gold ; the bezel is in the form of an urn enamelled white and set with garnets; the hoop, pierced witli loops at the shoulders, is inscribed on white enamel : GEO .- JOLLAND OB. 17 AVG. 177.}. /£. '.'!•. P/atcXXll. U. -87 in. Weight, 46 grains. 1584. Gold ; oval bezel with monogram JL in gold letters on white ground beneath glass: round the hoop, on black enamel, the inscription : Jos LA CROIX MORT LE I OCTOBRE 177t AGEE 46. D. 78 in. Weight, 36 grains. 1585. Gold; slender hoop; oval bezel containing a monogram EZ in gold on plaited hair beneath glass, surrounded b_\- inscription reserved upon a ground of white enamel : ELIZ • ZACHAW OB. 11. SEP. 177.-). /ET. 2G. Engraved on the back of bezel : //<■/■ tcor/Zt I kucn' Iter loss deplore. D. of hoop, 7 in. L. of bezel, '62 in. Weight, 56 grains. 1586. Gold; slender hoop; oval bezel with an urn surmounted by an earl's coronet, within a wreath, all executed in hair on a ground of white porcelain or enamel. At the back of the bezel is plaited hair under glass, and round this is engraved the legend : 'Jo/in Earl of Strathinorc Ob^ 7 March iyj6 Act. )S. Plate XXII. I). '86 in. L. of bezcL 76 in. Weight, 53 grains. JolAi Lyon, ninth Earl. 1587. Gold ; oval bezel containing a monogram SB in hair upon while enamel ; round the hoop, which has milled borders, a band of black enamel with in- scription : SARAH -BALLINGER OB. 2;J APR. 1777. /E. 78. D. of hoop, "82 in. L. of bezel, '49 in. Weight, 63 grains. 1588. Another ; in the bezel a nicolo engraved in intaglio with a head ; round the hoop on ground of white enamel the inscription: SARAH JERVIS OB: 25 JULY 1777 /ET. 23. D. of hoop, -9 in. L. of bezel, '62 in. Weight, 60 grains. 1589. GOLD; oval bezel containing monogram MM in white letters on plaited hair beneath glass; round the hoop inscription on white enainel ; MARG^ MEAD OB. 10 OCT. 1778 /E. 15. D. of hoop, -88 in. L. of bezel, -56 in. Weight, 86 grains. Q 2 228 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1590. Another ; similar ; in the bezel, on a white ground, a monogram J J, partly executed in hair, surrounded by a wreath, all beneath glass : round the hoop on white enamel the inscription: JOHN JACKSON -OB • 11 ■ FEB. 1778 /E. 27. Plate XXII. L). of hoop, '9 in. L. of bezel, '59 in. Weight, 55 grains. 1591. Another ; similar ; in the oval bezel a tree in h.iir on a white ground ; round the hoop, on white enamel, inscription : EDITH WARRINGTO OB. 20 DEC. 1779 /E. 20. U. of hoop, '92 in. L. of bezel. '60 in. Weight. 76 grains. 1592. Gold ; the oval bezel, with border of garnets, contains an angel leaning on an urn, surmounted by a cypress bough painted in outline on white enamel and reinforced by liair : round the hoop, on black enamel, the inscription : ANN BESWICK OB. 17 MARCH 17cS0/E. 55; on each shoulder an applied trefoil. Plate XXII. U. of hoop, -Si in. L. of bezel, '63 in. Weight, 70 grains. Much of the enamel lost. 1593' Gold ; the oval bezel contains a figure of Hope painted in outline on white enamel, and reinforced with hair-work ; round the hoop, on a ground of white enamel, inscription : JOHN BADCOCK Do 23. JULY ITSl AG. 34. D. of hoop, '82 in. L. of bezel, "54 in. Weight, 67 grains. 1594. Gold ; marquise bezel containing an urn and landscape painted on a white ground and reinforced with hair, the whole under glass ; the border has a band of black enamel on which is reserved the inscription: ELIZ. SEYMIR. OB. 24 SEP. 1782. /E. 74. Round the hoop, inscription on black enamel: RICHd SEYMIR OB • 4 DEC 1781 /E' 79. Plate XXII. D. of hoop, '73 in. L. of bezel, "93 in. Weight, 86 grains. For marquise rings cf. nos. 1644. 2163-4. 1595- Gold ; bezel a long oval set with lapis lazuli : round the hoop, inscription on white enamel: R° RICHARDSON ARM : OB 21 MAY 1782 fE 28. U. of hoop, "76 in. L. of bezel, "88 in. Weight, 75 grains. 1596. Gold ; marquise bezel containing an urn on a pedestal, with letters ^ - painted upon a white ground ; over it is a weeping willow executed in hair, and the inscription : IN MEMORY OF A DEAR FATHER. Round the hoop, reserved on a ground of black enamel, is the inscription : JOHN HIGGS OB. 12 MAY 1782 /E53. D. of hoop, 72 in. L. of bezel, '69 in. Weight, 60 grains. MEMOUIAL AND OFFICIAL RIN(iS 229 ^597- (ioi.i) ; the hoop lias four [janels inscribed in letters reserved upun a ^^nmnd of white enamel: CAE HORNS BY OB: '.'I MAR : I7:f(i /E : '.'7. 1). of hoop, 79 in. Weight. 46 (grains. In this and the forty following numbers the hoop is shaped into panels, mostly in ihc firni of scrolls, on which the inscriptions are reserved upon a ground of black or white enamel.' 1598. Gold ; the hoop forms a series of five panels separated by C-shapcd scrolls back to back ; inscription on black enamel : ELIZ. OSBORNE OB 10 MAY 17;J7 ^: 71; bifurcaling^ shoulders, each with an ap[)lied flower; oval bezel, reeded beneath, and set with a crystal paste covering a death's-head. I), of hoop, 82 in. L. of bezel. '28 in. Weight, 37 grains, (liateman Coll.) 1599. AxOTIlER ; of the same design, but circular bezel cont;iining a pc;irl fi.xcd with a pin; inscription on white enamel: JOHN JORDAN OB. •_'(»■ APR: 174-2 /ET. IG. D. "89 in. Weight, 53 grains. 1600. Goi.li ; the hoop is divided into five panels; inscription: ANNA HEPBURN OBT 3 AUG 1712 /ET. 17. Square box-bezel, reeded beneath, set with ;i crjstal paste. D. of hoop, 74 in. L. of bezel, '26 in. Weight, 32 grains. (Soden Smith Coil.) The enamel all lost. 1601. Gold ; the bezel is a circular box-setting reeded on the under sides, and containing hair beneath a crystal paste ; the hoop forms four scrolled panels connected liy small ovals ; inscription on black enamel : WINIFRED FRANKS OB. 2(i JAN. 1747 /E. 5«. See figure. D. 79 in. Weight, 49 grains. 1602. Sil\i:r ; the hoop forms five panels separated by ribs, uith inscription : ME MEN TO MO Rl, in relief. On each shoulder is a square setting, one now empty, the other containing a crystal pa.ste. Rectangular box-bezel containing hair beneath a crj-stal paste. I). -83 in. 1603. Goi.l) ; similar; the hoop witii inscription on black enamel: J. FARRER OB. 14 JUL. 1735 /E SO. The shoulders bifurcate, and each is set with a diamond ; the bezel is a rectangular setting, reeded beneath, and containing a table-cut sapphire. P/cj/e XXL D. of hoop, 75 in. L. of bezel, -24 in- Weight, 45 grains. 1604. Anothf.R ; similar hoop with two diamonds on shoulders flanking an oval bezel set with a diamond. In.'^cription on white enamel : 7. W/iittiiigtou, oh. 21 Nor. 114}. -E. so. D. 75 in. Weight, 53 grains. 230 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1605. Another ; similar hoop ; bezel is a square setting, reeded beneath, and containing a monogram in gold thread under a crj'stal paste ; the shoulders are ornamented with two diamonds in rectangular settings. Inscription : ROGER FRANKS OB. 3 MAY 1752 /E. 50. D. 73 in. Weight, 41 grains. 1606. Gold ; hoop of four continuous scrolls with inscription upon black enamel : GEORGE BUCHANAN OB^ lUNE 10. 1731; shoulders pierced. Bezel reeded beneath, and containing a representation of a skull upon hair under a crystal paste. D. •S6 in. Weight, 57 grains. 1607. Gold ; hoop of four scrolled panels separated by small C-shaped scrolls in pairs: inscription on black enamel: JOHN STOOKE OB. 5 JUNE. 1731. /E "23. Oval bezel, reeded at tlie back, containing a faceted crystal. D. -Sj in. Weight. 66 grains. 1608. Another: hoop of five scrolls with inscription on black enamel: CHA: PEELOB: 1 OCT: 173G/ET.35; in the inside is engraved : Rid^ Peel ob.8 May J']22 xt. ^S ; on each shoulder is a diamond in a raised setting ; hexagonal bezel, reeded at back, set with a crj-stal paste covering a death's-head in enamel (?) on a ground of plaited hair. D. of hoop, 7S in. L. of bezel, '3 in. Weight, 47 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1609. Another ; hoop of four scroll-shaped panels separated by pairs of C-shajjed scrolls back to back ; inscription on white enamel : ROG : LAMING OB 26 JAN 173|- /ET. 17 : rectangular bezel with reeded back, set with a crystal paste covering a death's-head on a ground of hair. D. of hoop, -SS in. L. of bezel, '35 in. Weight, 74 grains. (Frere Coll.) 1610. Gold; hoop made of four shaped scrolls inscribed on black enamel : ELIZ : PRICE: OB: 29 MAR 1739 JE 49; hexagonal bezel with reeded back, set with a crjstal paste covering a skull over hair. D. of hoop, "83 in. L. of bezel, "34 in. Weight, 66 grains. 1611. Gold ; the hoop of five scroll-shaped panels, separated by pairs of small C-scroUs back to back, and having reserved in the metal on a ground of white enamel a crown, skull and cross-bones, pick and spade, coffin and inscription : MORI ■ ^^'^ bezel is a hexagonal setting, reeded at the back, containing a crystal paste covering a death's-head on silver foil. In the interior of the hoop is engraved : E. V. o/>' 2j Dcin ijjg -■»'/ j6. English. D. of hoop, 7S in. L. of bezel, '32 in. Weight, 60 grains. (.Soden ^mith Coll.) For the designs on the hoop cf. nos. 1529 ff. MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL KINGS 231 1612. i\N(>rill.K ; similar; hexagonal be/cl, with a skull visible beiic.ith a crystal paste ; hoop of five scrolls with crown, skull and cross-bones, coffin, crossed pick and spade, and hour-glass with wings on white enamel ; in the inside the in- scription : S. BnUci- ob' 21 Octb ij^S net. -jy. 1). -84 In. Weight, 61 grains. 1613. Another; hoop of six scrolls on which are a skull, cross-bones, and other symbols on black enamel. Rectangular bezel reeded at back and set with a crystal under which is visible a white skull. In the inside of the hoop the inscription : Ann Earlc oh 2^ July ij^o xt 6). (ioldsmith's stamp G. T. 1>. '94 in. Weight, 46 grains. 1614. Anothkk ; hoop of six scrolls with inscription on black enamel: HEN: WISE ALD: OB: 9 AP: 17 H /ET. 76 ; octagonal bezel, with reeded back, .set with a sapphire. In the interior is engraved : J/. Heyii.'ood ob : rS Jnl : TJ 12 xt 66. Plate XXI. D. of hoop, '89 in. Weight, 83 grains. 1615. Another; hoop of five scrolls, with inscription: C. H ARC RAVE OB. 2 SEP 1742 /E 3, on white enamel ; hexagonal bezel set with a crj-stal. D. '94 in. Weight, 69 grains. 1616. Another; similar; the scrolls of the hoop separated by small open-work C-scrolls; inscription on white enamel: CATH: TAYLOR OB. 24 JAN 1742 ^. 17 : hexagonal bezel set with a paste. 1). of hoop, '81 in. Weight, 61 grains. 1617. GoLi) ; the hoop of five scrolls sep.irated as before, and inscribed on enamel : ELI Z. ADAMS OB. 21 JAN 1741 /E. 33. Rectangular box-bezel, with reeded back, set with a table-ciit paste covering hair ; on each side of it a diamond in a silver setting. D. of hoop, 75 in. L. of bezel, '22 in. Weight, 54 grains. (Soden Smith Cdll.) 1618. Gold; hoop of five scroll-shaped panels inscribed on black enamel: ROB. HEARD OB. JUNE • 5. 1743. /E. 30. The bezel is a coffin-shaped setting reeded on the under sides, and containing a skeleton beneath a crystal paste. Plate XXII. D. -86 in. Weight, 74 grains. 1619. Gold ; hoop formed of six crescent-shaped scrolls with in.scription on white enamel: NICH- WESCOMB ESQ^. OB 27 DEC. 1744 /E. 0;j. GokLsmith's mark I. C. I). 76 in. Weight, 77 grains. 232 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1620. Gold ; hexagonal bezel reeded beneath, and containing a skull within a border of gold thread, all beneath a glass paste. Hoop of five scrolls of black enamel with inscription: ELIZ. PARSONS OB. 18 SEP. IToi' /E 50. D. -S/ in. Weight, 63 grains. 1621. Gold ; square bezel containing hair beneath a crj'stal paste : hoop of five scrolls with inscription on white enamel : Sar. Peckston. ob. // Dec. I'jyy- ^£- 24. D. ^^% in. Weight, 47 grains. 1622. Gold ; hoop of six crescent-shaped scrolls with inscription on white enamel : Eliz: Peckston ' ob. 2g jfan. ijj^ • ^-E. 16. Goldsmiths mark B (?) A. D. -91 in. Weight, &) grains. 1623. Another ; similar; hoop of five scrolls with inscription on white enamel ; MARY LEIGHTON OB. 15 FEB. 1754. /E 65. D. "S4 in. Weight, 60 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1624. Gold : hexagonal bezel, reeded on the side^. and containing a skull under a crystal paste ; hoop of five scrolls with inscription on black enamel : SARAH RLDDELL OB. 2 MAY 1755 /E S2. D. 71 in. Weight, 45 grains. (Soden Smith ColL 1625. Another : square bezel wnth skull and cross-bones beneath a pa- two di:unonds ; hoop of foin- scrolls with inscription on black enamel: RICHd FRANKE • OB • 9 NOV. 1703. /E. 57. I). 78 in. Weight, 43 grains. 1632. Gold; the hoop of five scrolls inscribed on w^hite enamel: DOR^FITZJOHN OB. r.' SEPT. 17Ct /E. 50. Goldsmith'.s mark J K. I), 'yi in. Weight, 84 grains. 1633. Gold ; bezel reeded on sides, and containing hair beneath a crystal ; on each shoulder is a square setting with a smaller crystal. Hoop of four scrolls with inscription on black enamel : ELIZ : WILD. OB. 7. FEB. 17(i(i /E. 05. IJ. '88 in. Weight, 78 grains. 1634. Gold ; hexagonal bezel with a .skull and cross-bones in white under crystal ; hoop of five scrolls, and shoulders pierced with scrollwork on w'hich are settings containing diamonds ; on the hoop, skull, winged h(jur-glass, pick and spade crossed, coffin (?), and crown. In the interior the inscription: Zf. /<. ob. // Aug. /7//. ^f; 4 Mo. D. 7 in. Weight. 55 grains. 1635. Gold ; the bezel contains an almandinc, and is reeded at the back ; the shoulders are in open-work, each with an applied trefoil ; hoop of four panels with wavy edges, having on white enamel the inscription: Samuel Lester ob. 28 Oct. I-/46 Ai. 20. \). '85 in. Weight, 55 grains. 1636. Gold; bezel, open-work in the form of an urn with flowers, .set with six diamonds; hoop of five scrolls with inscription on white enamel : S. J. OB. '17 JULY, 1752. D. '84 in. Weight, 46 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.j 234 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1637. Gold ; rectangular bezel set with an emerald ; on each shoulder a diamond in a silver setting ; \va\'y hoop with inscription on w'hite enamel : THO WARD. OB. 2 AVC. 1762. /ET. 44. D. "84 in. Weight, 43 grains. 1638. Gold ; bezel containing an almandine ; on each shoulder a diamond in a square setting. Hoop wavy, with inscription on white enamel : THQs MARTIN OB: 19. SEP. 1763. /E. 27. In the inside is engraved: /o/in Martin ob. 2) Jidy i'j6^. xt. 2j. D. -82 in. Weight, 41 grains- 1639. Gold ; octagonal bezel reeded on the under side.s, and containing an apple- green stone ; the shoulders are pierced with trefoils ; wavy hoop with inscription on black enamel: MAGDALEN BENEFO OB. 7 DEC. 17C2 1^ 38. D. -84 in. Weight, 54 grains. 1640. Gold : waw hoop with inscription reserved in the metal for enamel: THE ' FATE OF LOVE. 16 FEB. 1678. D. -87 in. Weight, 63 grains. The hoop is much bent and all the enamel is lost. 1641. Gold : the hoop represents two interlacing bands, one enamelled in black, the other in white. The former has an inscription : ROBt ■ WEBB. OB. 19. NOV. 1772. /E. 55; the latter: SARAH- WEBB OB. 11 • DEC. 1761 /E 44. D. -Si in. Weight, 58 grains. 1642. Another ; similar, but with both bands black ; inscriptions : Sam^ Jl'arirti ob. 20 Dec. 1^62 ac. 79. Ann Warren ob. ij Aug. 7776 ae. 72. Plate XXII. D. "79 in. Weight, 51 grains. 1643. Another; of similar design, but with an octagonal bezel, reeded at the back, containing brown hair beneath a crystal ; open-work shoulders with applied trefoils. The bands of the hoop are white and black ; on the former is the inscription: ROB -STI RLI NC • OB • 18 • NOV • 1763 /ET. \^ ; on the latter SARAH • MORRIS -hM + D. 24 OCTOBER. 1763. 1). 'Si in. Weight. 61 grains. The mourning-rings of the last quarter of the eighteenth century usually have large bezels, oval, octagonal, or the pointed-oval shape known as the marquise form. The inscriptions are usually either round the bezel or engraved in the interior, the exterior of the hoop being plain. 1644. Gold : marquise bezel containing a plaque of white porcelain or glass on which is painted a cupid holding a heart, flying over a tomb surmounted by MEMORIAL AND OFFICIAL RINGS 235 three lieaits, witli cypress boughs at tlic sides ; paits are e.\ccuted in hair ; above is the inscription: ONE WELL CHOSEN. I loop of five scrolls with inscription on black enamel : ANN • JACKSON ■ OB • 10 ■ FEB. 17.S7. /E. •_'". On the b.ick of the bezel is entjraxed : ll'/Yc of Jabcz Jackson. Plate XXII. 1 J. of hoop, -89 in. L. of bezel, '92 in. Weight, 83 grains. 1645. Gold -. oval bezel, reeded beneath, containing a tree formed of hair upon a white ground, and surrounded by a border of amethysts, all beneath crystal ; plain slender hoop. I), of hoop, -85 in. L. of bezel. -jS in. Weight, 47 grains. 1646. Gold ; slender channelled hoop ; oval bezel containing plaited hair covered with a convex glass: border of seed pearls alternating with einerald pastes. 1). of hoop, '82 in. L. of bezel, •56 in. Weight, 35 grains. 1647. Gold; slender plain hoop and oval bezel containing an urn cut in cameo un onyx of two strata and surrounded with in.scription reserved on a ground of black enamel: MARY- LOOPS -OB. L5. DEC. 177.". /E. .W. Plate XXII. IJ. of hoop, "73 in. L. of bezel, 72 in. Weight, 88 grains. 1648. Another ; similar type ; oval bezel containing a white plaque painted in grisaille with a female figure seated by an urn on a pedestal inscribed with letters I • M. beneath glass, and surrounded b\- a border of black enamel with inscription : JOHN • MARSH • OB • 1 • JAN • I7cSi /E. 33. 1). of hoop, '84 in. L. of bezel, '86 in. Weight, 71 grains. 1649. Gold ; octagonal bezel containing under glass an urn in gold and white enamel in.scribed SB, upon plaited hair ; border of blue and white enamel with inscription on the white : NOT ■ LOST • BUT • GONE ■ BEFORE. At the back of the bezel the inscription : Sarah Bourne, died 16 Oct. ijSy Ag^ g y''' ) iiio . U. of hoop, '9 in. L. of bezel, I 07 in. Weight, 134 grains. 1650. Gold ; marquise bezel containing a crystal with a white urn cut in the back ; beneath it plaited hair. On each shoulder of the hoop is engraved a rose ; inside the bezel, inscription : J/. F. B. oh. 28 July I'jS^ xt. 22. I J. of hoop, 71 in. L. of bezel, i"29 in. Weight, 1 17 grains. 1651. Another; hoop engraved on shoulders ; marquise bezel containing an enamelled urn in high relief on a white ground inscribed : IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND. all beneath a convex glass ; border of black enamel with inscription: WILL" HANDLEY ESQ : OB : 11 • MAR : 17S.S : /E : 09. Plate XXII. IJ. of hoop, '95 in. L. of bezel, r28 in. Weight, 140 grains. 236 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1652. Gold ; hoop slender at the back and broadening at the shoulders, where it is engraved : marquise bezel containing under glass a representation of a lady- mourning by an urn and an angel hovering over her, painted in grey and partly executed in hair, (^n the back is engraved : Marr Arlett Oct. 22" Aug* iy8) xt. 84. D. of hoop, -91 in. L. of bezel, 1-03 in. Weight, 76 grains. io53- Gold; plain slender hoop: marquise bezel containing a white plaque painted in grey with an urn upon a plinth inscribed: s.\CRED TO FRIENDSHIP; above it droops a tree of which the foliage is formed by human hair ; all under glass. Round the plaque is a double border of blue and white enamel, the white band having the inscription : M.\TTHEW HiLTOX Ob. 31 Jan. 1790 it 27. D. I 26 in. L. of bezel, 1-26 in. Weight. 106 grains. 1654. Gold ; marquise bezel studded round the border with garnets in settings over bands of blue and white enamel, and containing a figure of Britannia (?) sitting on the stern of a vessel on which i.s the name Fok>iid.\BLK, and wreathing the picture of an admiral ; at her feet a lion couchant guardant with his paw on dead dove. Plate xxir. D. of hoop, -83 in. L. of bezel. rsS in. Weight, 95 grains. ID55' Gold : marquise bezel containing a vase of flowers in various coloured gold on field of black enamel ; plain slender hoop. D. of hoop, -85 in. L. of bezel, 1-25 in. Weight, 95 grains. (Octavius Moi^an Coll.) 1056. Gold : plain slender hoop ; marquise bezel containing hair, upon which is the letter S in gold, all beneath glass. D. of hoop, 73 in. L. of bezel, roj in. Weight, 65 grains. Io57' Gold: slender hoop; marquise bezel, with pearled border, containing the letters V. S. in gold upon a circular white field. The protecting glass is clear over this medallion, but the rest of its surface is at the back coloured pale blue, ornamented with gold stars and pellets. About 1790. U. of hoop, 72 in. L. of bezel. ro2 in. Weight, 67 grains. 1058. Gold ; oval bezel containing an urn in cameo on ony.v. At the back is engraved: MARY JEMIMA CORYTON OB. 8 JAN. 1770 /E -.'O. D. of hoop, 78 in. L. of bezel, 'jS in. Weight, 38 grains. 1659. Gold ; large oval bezel containing the monogram W G in gold over plaited hair, all beneath glass; on the back of the bezel: Will"' Gordon ob. iS Ap^ Ij88 .-E. JO. D. of hoop, 77 in. L. of bezel. I 06 in. Weight, 95 grains. MEMORIAL AND OFPICIAI. KINCS 237 1660. Anothkr; similar type; bezel containing on a white ground an urn on a pedestal in gold enamelled in blue and white, the pedestal bearing the mono- gram M R ; black enamelled border with gold pellets, all beneath glass. At the back of bezel is the inscription : Alary Ricard, oh. iS Feb. ij, Florence, has an eagle displayed crowned, and the lion of St. Mark, each repeated, and the name FEDERICVS. Possibly this may indicate a connexion of Federigo II of Aragon and Naples with Venice. A ring of 'papal' type in the Victoria and Albert Museum, no. 664-'7i, has a shield of arms and legend RXRACONA ; another example in the same place, no. 663-'7i, has a shield and R AGON AS. {Sec also Introduction.) 1691. Bronze gilt ; square bezel, now empty, pearled round the edges ; one side restored. Flat hoop engraved on each shoulder with a shield of arms : a cross between four cinquefoils, en- closed in two branches springing from a fleur-de-lis. On each side of the bezel is engraved a ducal coronet. See figure. Italian, i^t/i century. D. i'6 in. L. of bezel, '9 in. Octavius Morgan Bequest, 188S. See note to previous number. 242 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1692. Gilt copper : with enamels on gold ; oval bezel once set with a stone (?) but now empty ; massive hoop analogous to the type of papal ring ; on each shoulder and below the sides of the bezel are sunk panels once all filled with gold plates enriched with cloisonne enamel ; of these only one, below the bezel, is in fairly good condition, having a conventional floral design : that corresponding to it on the other side is empty, while the two panels on the shoulders retain their gold plates, but have lost almost all their enamel. The ground appears to have been a translucent green. See figure. ij/Vi century. D. I '3 in. Said to be from Corfu. This ring is included in the present place on account of its general resemblance to rings of investiture ; there is, however, no definite evidence that it was used for a like purpose. J. FANCY RINGS. 1693. Gold ; plain hoop thickening to the bezel, where it is set with a pyramidal diamond. Plate y^YlW. i^tk century. D. -84 in. Weight, 38 grains. Rings of this kind were used for writing on glass. Cf. nos. 1694-7. The well-known stories of Sir Walter Raleigh and other famous personages writing on windows with diamonds are mentioned by Jones, Finger-ring Lore, p. 77. As stated in the Introduction, three diamond rings interlaced formed the impresa of Cosmo Vecchio de' Medici. 1694. Bronze ; plain hoop broadening to the bezel, which is set with a crystal of diamond. 16/// century. D. '9 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) Cf nos. 1693, 1695-7. 1695. Gold ; slender flat hoop with applied bezel cut to a quatrefoil and set with a crystal of diamond. Plate XXIII. i6th century. D. '92 in. Weight, 28 grains. Cf. nos. 1693-4, 1696-7. i6g6. Gold ; the shoulders with floral designs on a ground of black enamel ; the enamel is continued on the sides of the bezel, which has a quatrefoil setting with a pyramidal diamond. See figure. 16/// century. D. '82 in. Weight, 60 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Cf. nos. 1693-5, 1697 ; also a ring in the Londesborough Collection (T. Crofton Croker, Cattjlogue, no. 15). FANCY RINGS 243 1697. Gold ; slender hoop, shoulders and sides of bezel enamelled black, w ith herring-bone and other designs ; square projecting bezel set with a pyramidal crystal. Plate XXIII. \(Mh century. D. •86 in. Weight, 24 grains. Cf. nos. 1693-6. 1698. Gold ; ring-dial, of a size to be worn upon the finger. It is a flat band, having on the outer surface a channel lound the middle, in which works by means of a projection another ring exactly filling the space. Upon one part of the outside are engraved the initial letters of the names of the months, six on one side of the channel and six on the other. Upon the moving ring is a small hole, flanked by a star, and by a hand with the index and second fingers extended. Inside are engraved the numbers of the hours from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. in two lines, the hour of noon beyond them at the point opposite to the ring which suspends the dial. On the outside, over the number 1 2, is fixed a shield of arms : a dcmi- bull rampant ; at the sides of it are the letters H.G.V.B.— probably the arms and initials of the owner. Plate XXIII. German, late \bth century. D. I'l in. B. "3 in. Weight, 165 grains. (Zschille Coll.) P7'oc. Soc. Anliqiiaries of London, xv, p. 82. Information upon ring-dials will be found in the article above quoted. When in use, the hole in the moving ring is brought level with the month in which the observation is taken, and held towards the sun'; the ray passing through it then falls upon the figure of the hour engraved on the inner side. It will be remembered thai Shakespeare makes Touchstone the possessor of such a dial. 1699. Bronzk RINi.-DIAI., the hoop representing a buckled strap pierced with three holes. In the interior are engraved the hours from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. arranged like those of no. 1698 but in Roman numerals ; on the outside are the initial letters of the months in two rows, with four other letters, two at the end of each row : > M and V . Plate XXIII. Pnoiis/i, i-fth crntmy. D. "9 in. Rings of this type liave been described as shepherds' dials. They are diminutive forms of the well-known ring-dials, and arc used in the same way. 1700. Gold sriiKRK rinc; ; the sphere is formed of an outer hoop in two parts, working like a gimmel, and three interior hoops almost concealed when the ring is closed. The exterior hoop is chased on the outer side with scrolls on a ground once enamelled black, and each part has on the flat surfaces concealed when the ring is closed a section of an inscription, enamelled black: VERBO DEI CELIj FIRMATI SUNT 1 DIXIT ET CREATA SUNT IPSE MANDAVIT ET CREATA SUNT. The figures 15,55, indicating the date, follow the words finuati sunt. K 2 244 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS The three interior hoops are plain flat bands engraved and enamelled in black with the signs of the zodiac, stars, and other figures. Plate XXIII. German, ijth century. D. ro8 in. Weight, 1 80 grains. An armillary ring inscribed with an English quatrain is mentioned in Notes and Queries, 3rd Series, vol. iv (1863), p. 156. 1701. Another ; with four hoops, unengraved. Plate XXIII. D. 75 in. Weight, 27 grains. 1702. Another ; with six plain slender hoops. D. '82 in. Weight, 43 grains. 1703. Gold dial-ring ; the shoulders and sides of the bezel chased with scrolls enamelled in blue, green, and white ; oval locket bezel, the hinged lid set with a ruby surrounded by five crj-stals ; in the interior is a compass under glass, and the surrounding border is engraved with numbers, on one side 1-6, on the other 6-12. Plate XXIII. German, late 16th century. D. I in. Weight, 118 grains. (Fould CoU.) 1704. Another, gold ; plain hoop with oval locket bezel, the lid set with a turquoise. When open it shows a dial, the compass lost, the border engraved as before, on the right 1-7, on tlie left, in the reverse direction, 5-1 1. Plate XXIII. German, 16th century. D. i'22 in. Weight, 169 grains. 1705. Another, of bronze; round the hoop a niello band; the shoulders and sides of bezel engraved with flowers gilt ; at the back of the bezel is engraved lips. Ov^al bezel, the lid now undecorated, but engraved on the interior with a sun with human features. The figures on the dial are as in the preceding number. The compass is lost. Plate XXIII. Gerjnan, 16 th century. D. -62 in. The shoulders of the hoop damaged. 1706. Another, bronze ; slender hoop of rectangular section ; oval bezel with a deep cavity and hinged lid, set with an onyx cut in cameo with a cherub's head. \6tli century. D. 1-34 in. 1S50. Though nothing is engraved round the cavitj-, the form is that of a dial-ring ; the work may have been never finished. 1707. Another, gold; pierced shoulders with scrolls; oval bezel reeded at the back and containing a compass under glass. Plate XXIII. English, iStli century. D. '96 in. Weight, 53 grains. FANCY RINGS .i45 1708. Gold ; slender hoop ; the bezel is an oval watch with white dial under glass and bordered by pearls ; on the back are engraved the letters A R. Plate XXIII. \Wi century. D. "96 in. L. of bezel. '9 in. Weight, 175 grains. 1709. Gold; two FOB-RIXGS; hollou' ; one has on the hoop and sides of the bezel grapes and vine-leaves in relief, and oval bezel clear set with a faceted violet topaz ; the other has a watch-key as a bezel. At the backs of the hoops, loops for suspension. Englisit, late i ^th ccntttry. D. i'56 in. and 2 in. Weight, 198 grains and 126 grains. Rings of this kind were not actually worn, but suspended with seals on the fob chain. 1710. Gold ; ring of two plain hoops moving apart upon a pin. 18/// century. D. '8 in. Weight, 58 grains. 1711. Another, opening in the same way; the interior of each hoop hollow, perhaps for the reception of hair. Bezel formed of two oval raised settings side by side, containing a garnet and a turquoise. 1 8/// century. D. I in. Weight, 47 grains. 1712. Gold ; three rings forming a plain hoop when closed ; all are inscribed. On the outer ring: August in, Mario, Anno — Pon pent ce qiion vcut; middle ring: tunio7i fait la force Augiistinc la Maria F J et Anna L, setils enfans dc J. Augnstc F. Dcspreanx ; lower ring : et de Coelina Rossignol son tresor perdu a jamais. French, 1 8//; century. D. '82 in. Weight, 40 grains. Note. — Nos. 1713-26 are puzzle-rings, dating from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. 1713. GOLD; three hoops: bezel of three rectangular plaques, each having a rosette in relief, between and beyond them pellets. D. "9 in. Weight, 123 grains. 1714. Silver ; the same design. D. -96 in. 1715. Silver ; three hoops ; bezel of three engraved squares, and pellets, n. -86 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 246 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1716. Gold; three hoops: on the shoulders pierced scrolls enamelled white; almond-shaped bezel with border of rubies, and in the centre a triangular setting with a diamond. 1 -jiJi ccuUiry. D. "92 in. Weight, 68 grains. 1717. Gold ; three hoops ; white ena- melled scrolls similar to those of the previous number ; cruciform bezel with a central diamond between four rubies. Plate XXVII, row i. and see figure. I'lth century. D. I in. Weight, 73 grains. (Bray- brooke Coil.) 1718. Another; four hoops; bezel a large central stud surrounded by seven of smaller size. See figure. D. "S in. Weight, 92 grains. 1719. Another; four hoops; bezel a sexfoil surrounded by quatrefoils ; on each side three additional quatrefoils. D. I in. Weight, 228 grains. 1720. Another ; four hoops ; bezel of small sexfoils symmetrically disposed. D. "84 in. Weight, 63 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1721. Another ; similar with central rosette ; two hoops spirally fluted. D. -84 in. Weight, 72 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1722. Another ; cinquefoils forming a cable design. D. "74 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1723. Gold ; five hoops, two of cable pattern ; bezel a central rosette with an emerald, surrounded by small flowers, scrolls, and pellets. D. •§ in. Weight, 54 grains. 1724. Gold ; eight hoops ; the bezel an open knot. D. '86 in. Weight, 78 grains. FANCY RINGS 247 1725. Gold ; nine hoops ; bezel a snake with ruby eyes. U. 84 in. Weight, 78 grains. 1726. Gold ; eleven hoops, partly cabled, and interlacing to form a bezel. D. '86 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1727. Ivory ; three interlacing hoops turned from the solid, ^■f^ figure. Gcnnaii, Inte I'jt/i cciitiny. D. i'2 in. A so-called Trinity ring, made by Stephen Zick at Nuremberg. In a turned wooden box with screw top. Zick is said to have made only three of these rings (J. G. Doppelmayr, Historische Nachiicht von den Nihnberg^schen Mathematicis utid Kiinstlern, Niirnbcig, 1730, p. 310 and pi. v, tig. i). 1728. SiLvi'.R ; a pellet on each shoulder of the hoop ; projecting be^.el in form of a spur with revolving rowel. See figure. Italian(}), ii:^th-\;;)th century. D. r25 in. (Castellani Coll.) A ring from Chalcis in the Ashniolean Museum at Oxford, probably of Venetian origin, represents a similar spur {Archacologia, Ixii, p. 393, row 4, a \T2.^. Gold ; slender hoop, once enamelled, representing a branch on which is perched a bird in the act of pecking, which forms the bezel. The bird is enamelled white, and has a ruby in a rectangular setting upon its back. i-jtli eeniury. D. '84 in. Weight, 28 grains. 1730. Gold ; the hoop with raised borders, pearled and plain alternately ; the shoulders bifurcate, and have each a setting with a diamond. Oval locket bezel with hinged lid, in form of a masked face enamelled in white and black, the eyes set with diamonds. See figure. 18/// cciitiuy. D. I in. Weight, 36 grains. This ring, with the following three numbers, belongs to a group sometimes described as carnival rings and attributed to Venice. -An example was exhibited at the Loan Exhibition of Ancient and Modern Jewellery at South Kensington in 1872 {Catalogue, no. 979). 1731. Gold ; channelled hoop enamelled black, w itli five pearls in settings at intervals ; locket bezel with hinged lid enainelled to represent a lady's face with a black mask ; the eyes set with diamonds. Italian (?), ith century. D. "76 in. Weight, 20 grains. 1736. Gold ; slender hoop expanding to open-work shoulders ; bezel an enamelled skull opening on a hinge and showing an oval enamelled plate with legend : Je iw la crains que dans ton cccur. Sec figure. 1 S/A century. D. '8 in. Weight, 20 grains. FANCY RINGS 249 1737. Gold ; the hoop a wire, on which moves a mouse enamelled white, attached by a loop beneath the body, and liy the coils of the tail. French, 1 8///: century. I). '84 in. Weight, 32 grains. 1738. Gold; a similar rini; ; the mouse is, however, not enamelled, and the ring passes between its legs, which arc joined to a rectangular plate. There is a loop in the nose. 18/// century. D. "86 in. Weight, 23 grains. ^739- Gold ; the ring is in two halves moving upon pins below the shoulders, which are enamelled in dark blue. The bezel resembles a flower with four drooping petals enamelled in the same colour. It is hollow, and when the ring is opened each half displays a cavity. Modern. D. '95 in. Weight, 105 grains. The form of the bezel imitates a type common in the sixteenth century. Cf. nos. 1920 ff. K. ORNAMENTAL RINGS. I. From about a.d. iooo to about a. D. 1450. With the exception of a few examples, such as those from Lark Hill, Worcester (nos. 1 740-1, 1743-5), the majority of the rings down to no. 1859 are of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, and may be assumed to be of this period unless another date is given. 1740. Silver : thin hoop ; long rectangular bezel divided into three panels with ornament in relief, the ground with traces of niello ; in the middle five small crosses, on each side a larger cross. Sec figure. English, i itli century. D.-Sin. .854. ^SlHP^ Found at Lark Hill, near Worcester, with silver pennies of Henry H ucjija*-' and David I of Scotland, a halfpenny of Eustace, Count of Boulogne, a denier of Hugh, fifth Count of Anjou, and other coins. Cf. nos. 1024, 1741, I743-5- (Anhiieolooia, x.xx\i, p. 200.) 1741. Silver ; hoop a twist of two thick wires, the junction hammered square. D. ri in. 1854. From the same place as nos. 1024, 1740, 1743-5. The ring is interesting as a survival of an earlier type usually associated with the X'iking period (cf. nos. 212 ff.). 1742. Bronze ; the type similar to the last, but cast, and rounded at the back. D. ri6 in. 1836. 350 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 1743. Silver ; rectangular bezel set with a crystal, beneath which are remains of red foil ; slender hoop with two engraved transverse ribs at the junction with the bezel. Plate XXIV. English, \zth century. D. i'2 in. L. of bezel, 73 in. 1854. Found with nos. 1024, 1740, i~4i, and 1744-5. 1744. Another ; of the same type with a single rib on the hoop ; bezel set with an amethyst. D. i'o6 in. L. of bezel, "54 in. Found with nos. 1024. 1740, 1741. 1743, and 1745. 1745. AXOTHER ; bezel set with a transparent yellow paste. D. I'oS in. L. of bezel, '46 in. Found with nos. 1024, 1 740-1, 1743-4. 1746. Bronze ; slender hoop and large rectangular bezel containing a doublet with a green foil. iitli century. D. ri8 in. 1747. Another ; similar, but with a deep channel round the bezel, which contains a burned crystal (?). Italian, 12th century. D. 1-35 in. 1748. Bronze ; slender hoop ; rectangular box bezel with an oval cavity for a stone now missing. D. I in. Note. — The majority of the rings which follow (nos. 1749-1S18, i827-45> are of types which have been described as episcopal or ecclesiastical, presumably because they are so often set with sapphires. It may well be that a proportion of them were worn by bishops ; there is a statement that no. 1S27 came from the tomb of Bishop Thierry of Verdun, and no. 1772 was said to have been found in a bishop's grave. But such evidence is too vague to possess serious value. The sapphire was a popular stone in the Middle Ages, and its use was not con- fined to bishops, the only ecclesiastics except abbots who wore rings as marks of their sacred office. Authenticated rings of bishops show a considerable variety in their type and mode of decoration, and are not exclusively set with sapphires or amethysts. Again, the number of rings in the present collection alone is considerable ; other collections have their examples ; and if we reflect how many must have been lost or destroyed in the course of centuries, it is difficult to confine any of the types here illustrated to bishops. The rings with very large sapphires have perhaps the best claim (nos. 1827 ff.) ; those of a stirrup-shape, with smaller stones (nos. 1 782 ff.), are so numerous that the secular use of the type seems almost certain. Among the known rings of English bishops there is only one of this form, and it would be rash to conclude from ORNAMliNTAL RINGS 251 a single instance. In default of valid evidence, it has been considered best to leave uncertain example no. 861 and the modern ring (no. S62) to represent the class in the Ecclesiastical section, and to group rings with unsubstantiated claims to episcopal use with contemporary rings for which no such claim is made, in order to keep the exhibited series of ornamental types as complete as possible. See also Introduction. 1749. Gold ; slender hoop ; high hexagonal bezel containing a sapphire. Plate XXV. D. I'l in. Weight, 40 grains. Castellani Coll. 1750. Gold ; slender hoop ; rectangular bezel containing a ruby. D. '8 in. Weight, 15 grains. Found at Cambridge. 1751. Another ; but with larger bezel set with a carbuncle. Plan- XXIV. D. '94 in. Weight, 25 grains. 1752. Another ; containing a ruby. D. '86 in. Weight, 36 grains. 1753. Gold ; plain rounded hoop and high rectangular bezel set with a garnet ; round the sides of the bezel are set small garnets alternating with plasma and chrysoprase. Plate XXIV. 13/// century. D. ri in. L. of bezel, '36 in. Weight, 119 grains. 1856. Roach Smith Coll. Found in London. One of the smaller garnets from the side of the bezel is missing. 1754. Gold ; the exterior of the hoop wreathed and engraved with bands of circles ; rectangular box bezel from which the stone is lost. D. '96 in. Weight, 41 grains. I755- Gold ; slender hoop with baluster shoulders ; rectangular bezel set with a small emerald. D. 72 in. Weight, 13 grains. 1756. Bronze ; slender hoop with rectangular bezel engraved at the corners and set with a cameo head in blue paste. \^th-\^tli cciititry. D. 1-04 in. 1865. The cameo may be of later date than the ring. 1757- Gold ; the hoop a plain wire ; high rectangular bezel containing a ruby. D. "82 in. Weight, 38 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Said to have been found near Malton, Yorkshire. 252 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1758. Gold ; massive rounded hoop ; small hexagonal bezel set with a sapphire. Plate XX\'. D. ri3 in. Weight. 1 8/ grains. Morel Coll. 1901. Probably French, the greater part of the Morel Collection coming from the Champagne. 1759. Another : similar, with small rectangular bezel containing a crystal of diamond. D. vol in. Weight, 161 grains. iBraybrooke Coll.) 1760. Gold ; the hoop a plain wire ; oval box bezel containing a ruby. Plate XXV. D. I'l in. Weight, 45 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1761. 1761. Another ; the bezel smaller, with a jacinth. D. -92 in. Weight, 23 grains. From Milton, Kent. 1762. Another ; similar ; a jacinth. D. '96 in. Weight, 22 grains. 1763. Gold ; the hoop a wire ; small oval bezel with an emerald. D. -S in. Weight. 12 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found near Ipswich, 1849. 1764. Another ; similar ; rather larger circular bezel, with a chrysoprase (?). D. -9 in. W'eight, 26 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in the Minories, London, 1854. 1765. Another ; oval bezel with ruby. D. I in. Weight, 28 grains. (Soden Smith ColL) 1766. Another : similar ; a sapphire. D. -58 in. Weight, 28 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1767. Another : narrow oval bezel with sapphire. D. 92 in. Weight, 23 grains. 1 Londesborough Coll.) Found at Lincoln. 1768. Gold ; a diminutive ring ; slender hoop with hexagonal bezel, with channel round sides, containing a chrj'soprase. D. '62 in. Weight, 12 grains. 1769. Gold ; with plain slender hoop : bezel a hexagonal setting, bevelled on the lower edge, containing an emerald. D. -82 in. L. of bezel. "3 in. Weight, 24 grains. 1909. Found in Cloak Lane. Cannon Street, London. 1770. Gold ; slender hoop ; bezel scutiform, set with an amethyst. Plate XXIV. French. D. 1-04 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1771. Another ; bezel three-sided ; containing a ruby. D. ro: in. Weight, 35 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) ORNAMENTAL RINGS 253 1773. Another ; oval bezel with a sapphire. See figure. D. I in. VVeiglit. 43 grains. (liraybrooke Coll.) Said to have been found in a bishop's tomb in the south of I'lancc. 1773. AnotiU'.R ; bezel containing a sapphire. See figure. D. V2 in. Weight, 70 grains, (liraybrooke Coll.) Found in the New Forest, Hampshire, 1857. Said to resemble one of the three rings mentioned under no. 1774. 1774. Gold ; slender hoop engraved on the shoulders with chevrons and small circles ; the bezel containing a ruby. Plate XXV, and sec figure. D. '98 in. Weight, 35 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Washed ashore at Whitstable, Kent. Said by Lord Braybrooke to resemble one of three rings found on property belonging to Trinity College, Cambridge, with coins of Henry 111. 1775. Gold ; slender hoop and oval bezel, both of rough workmanship ; the bezel is set with a cabochon amethyst. D. rsS in. Weight, Sy grains. Said to have been found in a stone coffin in Galway. 1776. Gold; hoop broadening to shoulders ; irregular he.xagonal bezel containing a sapphire. Sec figure. U. I'l in. Weight, 1 10 grains. 1853. Found on Flodden Field about 181S. The ring is too early in type to have been made at the period of the battle ; but it may possibly have been worn by some one present at the engagement. 1777. Another ; with similar bezel set with a sapphire, but the hoop engraved on the exterior with floral .scrolls. Plate XXIV, and sec figure. D. i'42 in. Weight, 131 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 254 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1778. Gold ; the hoop narrow and flat at the back ; on each shoulder transverse ribs, between which two stones, a ruby and an emerald, are set. The bezel is a rectangular setting containing a pyramidal sapphire. Plate XX n^ D. '96 in. Weight, 96 gfrains. From Benevento. 1779. Gold ; with plain narrow hoop ; in the front are two oval settings contain- ing a sapphire and an amethyst, flanked by two smaller settings each with a turquoise ; between the settings ribbed bands reser\"ed in the metal. Plate XXV. D. i'o6 in. Weight, 188 grains. Roach Smith Coll. 1S56. Found in London. 1780. Gold ; the hoop faceted ; each shoulder has a pierced square panel with a quatrefoil, after which it narrows towards a deep octagonal bezel, containing an amethyst with three longitudinal facets. Plate XXV. D. 1-2 in. Weight, 94 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Found at Wells. Exhibited at South Kensington, 1872 {Catalogue ef the Loan Exhibition 0/ Ancient and Modern jFe'uelUry, 1872, ed. R. H. Soden Smith, 1S73, no. 901). The faceting of the stone may be compared with that of the ring of Bishop William de St. Barbara of Durham, d. 11 52 {Archaeologia, xlv, p. 387). 1781. Gold ; slender hoop, the shoulders forming monsters' heads, which support a high bezel engraved with leaves and geometrical designs ; it contains in a rectangular setting a sapphire cut to three faces. Plate XXV. Italian. D. I in. Weight, 43 grains. (Castellani Coll.) 1782. Gold ; massive faceted hoop ; a raised ridge on each side where it thickens to the bezel, which contains a sapphire. Plate XXIV. D. i*44in. Weight, 544 grains. Bequeathedby the Rev.E. H. Mainnaring, 1S85. Found at Wittersham, Kent. This ring is the finest example in the collection of the ' stirrup-shaped ' type (cf. nos. 17S3-1S15). The ring at Chichester Cathedral, said to have belonged to Bishop Hilary (d. 1169), is similar. 1783. Gold; the shoulders engraved and nielloed with a lozenge design ; in the bezel a ruby. D. VI in. Weight, 107 grains. 1849. 1784. Gold ; plain hoop with sapphire. D. I "I in. Weight, 87 grains. 1849. 1785. Another ; the same stone. D. i'2 in. Weight, 222 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) From Morton, Bucks. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 255 1786. ANorifi'.K; similar. 1). 114 in. Weight, 192 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Exhibited at South Kensington in 1872 (Catalogue of the Loan Exhibition, &c., 1873, no. S99). 1787. Another. I). I'l6 in. Weight, 155 yiains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1788. Another. II. v\ in. Weight, 144 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found in Lancashire. 1789. AN(vr]n;K. 1). ri in. Weifjht, 90 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) . 1790. Another. V). ri6 in. Weight, 140 grains. Found in St. Leonards Forest, Susse.\. 1791. Another. D. i"i in. Weight, 88 grains. 1792. Another. D. ri2 in. Weight, no grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Exhibited at South Kensington in 1S72 {Catalogue, no. 899). Cf. no. 17S6, above. 1793. Another. IJ. I'oS in. Weight, 73 grains. 1794. Another. D. I'l in. Weight, 80 grains. 1795. Another. D. -96 in. Weight, 108 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1796. Another. D. n in. Weight, 68 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Found near the Victoria Docks, London, November, 1859. 1797. Another. D. v\ in. Weight, 87 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1798. Another. D. I in. Weight, 55 grains. 1799. Another. D. '9 in. Weight, Ti grains. 1800. Another. IJ. '98 in. Weight, 38 grains. 256 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1801. Another. D. 1*04 in. Weight, 60 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Exhibited at South Kensington in 1872 {Catalogue, no. S99). Cf. nos. 17S6, 1792. 1802. Another. D. -96 in. Weight, 5S grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Exhibited at South Kensington in 1 872 (Catalogue, no. 899). Cf. the preceding number. 1803. Another. D. -97 in. Weight, 35 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Exhibited at South Kensington in 1S72 {Catalogue, no. S99). Cf. the two preceding numbers. 1804. Another. D. -96 in. Weight, 45 grains. 1805. Another : a rough sapphire. D. i-i6 in. Weight, 85 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) The stone probably replaces an original now lost. 1806. Another ; set with a turquoise. D. i-l6 in. Weight, 176 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) 1807. Another; a ruby. D. "98 in. Weight. 67 grains. j8o8. Another ; an emerald. D. -98 in. Weight, 63 grains. (Soden Smith ColL) Exhibited at South Kensington in 1872 {Catalogue, no. S99). Cf. nos. 1786, 1789, 1792, 1 801-3. 1809. Gold ; stirrup-shaped hoop thickening to an oval bezel pierced and vandyked round the edges, and containing a pale ruby with an indented surface. Plate XXV. D. l'04 in. Weight, 106 grains. Exhibited at the Ironmongers' Hall in 1S61 {Catalogue of Antiquities and Works of Art, &c, 1869, p. 489). 1810. Another ; silver ; with a ruby ; the hoop indented along the edges. D. I in. (Soden Smith Coll.) iSn. Another ; bronze ; set with a blue paste. D. VI in. (Soden Smith Coll.) The hoop broken at the back. The ring was probably gilt. 1812. Another ; once gilt ; with a jacinth. D. I in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 257 1813. Anotiii-.k ; with a blue glass paste. I), ri in. (Casltllani Coll.) 1814. Another; similar ; the stone or glass paste missing. I). I -06 in. Found at Chilcombe, Hants, 1879. 1815. Su.vLR ; slender hoop ; on each shoulder a raised rectangle engraved with a quatrefoil ; the stone lost. D. 84 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 1816. Goin ; stirrup-shaped hoop channelled and cut to represent a double ring with two bezels ; one is set with a ruby, the other with a turquoise. Plate XXV. D. -92 in. Weight, 43 gi-ains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Exhibited at South Kensington in 1872 {Catalogue, no. 899). Cf. nos. 1786, 1792, 1801-3, 1807. 1817. Gold ; slender stirrup-shaped hoop expanding at each shoulder to an engraved lozenge-shaped panel between transver.se ribs ; double bezel, con- taining two glass pastes, one representing a sapphire, the other an emerald. 1). '92 in. Weight, 24 grains. Obtained in Florence, 1878-9. 1818. Silver gilt ; the shoulders in the form of monsters' heads supporting a double bezel for two stones, now lost. D. '9 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1819. SiLVl.R GILT ; Stirrup-shaped hoop once nielloed ; it has on the exterior seven quatrefoils in relief connected by a band of cable pattern, and terminates in mon.-^ters' heads supporting a double bezel, each limb of which has a pearl revolving on a pin. Italian. D. I -12 in. (Castellani Coll.) This and the following ring have afifinities with examples from Chalcis (Kegropont),no\v in the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford, and Venetian in their style: see reference under no. 1S21. The present rings may have formed part of the same find. Cf. also a ring in the \'ictoria and .■\lbert Museum, no. 94-1899. 1820. Gold ; once nielloed ; hoop of triangular .section engraved with two designs : a floral scroll, and a band of quatrefoils, counterchanged in four panels. The ends form monsters' heads, which support a bezel in the shape of a flower of eight petals, having in the centre a large pearl surmounted by a ruby in a gold setting, all revolving on a pin. Plate XXV, and see figure. Italian ( Ve//etia>i), 14/// a-ntiiry. D. I in. Weight, 49 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) See note to preceding number. .S 258 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1821. Gold ; broad hoop cut from a thin plate ; on each shoulder three settings surrounded by pellets, containing two rubies and a pearl upon a pin (one ruby lost) ; at the back a similar setting with a ruby. The bezel is a globe of filigree, with bands of pellets, surmounted by a pearl on a revolving pin, with a head formed of a ring of pellets. Plate XXV. Vcneto-Grcek, about .\. D. 1400. D. i'8 in. Weight, 209 grains. Found at Chalcis in Euboea in the first half of the nineteenth centurj' {Archaeologia, l.\ii, p. 395, pi. hi. fig. 3). The North Italian aflSnities conspicuous in nos. 1S19, 1S20. and the rings from Chalcis in the .Ashmolean, are not found in nos. 182 1-4. The distinction is remarkable, for the tradition with regard to the locality is the same in both cases, r.nd nos. 1S22-5 were found with a quantit}' of personal ornaments {Archaeologia, as above, pp. 391 ff.). 1822. Gold -. hoop of triangular section ; it ends in conventional monsters' heads which support a bezel in form of an open caly.K of si.K petals with a pearled ring above it, set with a circular pearl pierced and fixed by a wire. Plate XXV. Veneto-Greek. about A. D. 1400. D. I "3 in. \\"eight, 223 grains. From Chalcis. Found with nos. 1821 and 1823-4 {Archaeologia, as above, pi. Ivi, fig. 1 ). 1823. Gold ; octagonal hoop hexagonal in cross-section ; projecting bezel in the form of a calyx of six petals, on which is an oval plate with a setting containing a sapphire. Plate XXV. Vcneto-Greek, about \. D. 1400. D. 1-2 in. Weight, 201 grains. Found with nos. 1821-2 and 1824 (Archaeologia, as above, pi. hi, fig. 4). 1824. Gold ; flat hoop engraved on the outer side to represent a cable ; high projecting bezel in form of a caly.x of six petals supporting a hexagonal plate on which is a circular setting surrounded with pellets, and containing a large pearl, pierced and secured by a wire. Plate XX\'. Veneto-Greek, about .\. D. 1400. D. 1-32 in. Weight, 128 grains. {Archaeologia, as above, pi. Ivi, fig. 2.t 1825. Gold ; slender hoop of triangular section : a small projection on each shoulder, where the ring rises to a projecting four-sided bezel containing an emerald. D. 1 in. Weight, 14 grains. 1826. Silver gilt ; broad flat hoop with applied foliate ornament ; rectangular bezel set with a carbuncle. See figure. D. ri4 in. Two stamps have been applied at the back of the hoop. The ring may be compared with no. 1852. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 259 Note.— Nos. i82"-",4 arc classed together as having their gems mounted in claws. 1827. Gold; the hoop broadens at each shoulder to reiiresent the wings of a dragon, narrowing again to the neck and head, by which the bezel is supported on each side. The bezel is a dec]) oval setting in which is a cabochon .sapphire held by four claws. Plate XXV. 12/// ccHiury. D. ri in. Weight, 95 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) Obtained in exchange from the collection of M. Failly, Inspector of Customs at Lyons, in 1848. Said to have been found in 1829 in the tomb of Thierry, Rishop of Verdun in 1 165 (T. Crofton Croker, Catalogue of a Collection of Ancient and Mediaeval Rings . . . formed for Lady fondesborough, 1S53, p. 14). 1828. Gold ; slender hoop terminating in monsters' heads supporting a large irregular bezel with claws, in which is a cabochon sapphire. Plate XXIV, and sec figure. D. ri8in. Weight. 192 grains. (Fritz Hahn Coll.) The setting somewhat resembles that of a ring found in Win- chester Cathedral and conjccturally attributed to Henry of Blois, Cardinal and Bishop of Winchester [Archaeologia. xx, p. 236 and fig. 2). 1829. Gold ; \\oo\> of triangular section with two raised and engraved quatreloils, terminating in monsters' heads supporting a pentagonal bezel with claws, set with a large cabochon sapphire. The outer faces of the hoop bear the enamelled inscription : KVB ■ HKRIK • GRTTTIK. D. I'l in. Weight, 154 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) The N in the second word of the inscription is an original mistake. The hoop appears to have been renovated and the enamel of the inscription renewed. The inscription might have justified the inclusion of this ring among devotional rings, but, as in the case of no. 1S30, it seemed more in place among examples of the same decorative type. 1830. Gold ; hollow hoop with transverse ribs and rays on the shoulders, from each of which bifurcating supports rise to a boat-shaped bezel containing a cabochon sapphire held by four claws. Round the hoop, legend in relief on a ground keyed for enamel : alt ffOD toilS iicr IiCtcr C 111 (?). Plate XXIV. English (?), 141/1 century. D. r25 in. Weight, 100 grains. This might have been included in Class F (Inscribed Rings), but so much of its interest lies in its form and the style of its setting that it seemed best to keep it among rings of a similar appearance. 1831. Gold : slender hoop terminating in conventionalized monsters' heads, which support an octagonal setting with claws, containing a sapphire. D. '93 in. Weight, 41 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. The hoop has been mended at one shoulder. S 2 26o CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1832. Silver : hoop of quadrangular section terminating 'in con- ventional monsters' heads from which pierced supports rise to the sides of a bezel with octagonal base and high vertical top with four claws containing a pierced sapphire. See figure. Italian. D. I "66 in. Found at Murano. 1833. Another ; the same design, also with a sapphire. D. I -64 in. From Murano. A third ring of identical design, stated to have been found in a grave outside the Duomo at Murano, is in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. 1834. Gold ; slender hoop ; bezel a deep hexagonal setting with four claws, containing a cabochon sapphire. Plate XXIV. I). i"32 in. Weight, 167 grains. 1835. Gold ; slender hoop ; bezel an oval setting with four claws, containing a cabochon sapphire. 1). l"05 in. Weight, 80 grains. 1836. Gold ; slender hoop ; the bezel a deep oval setting with four claws, con- taining a pale sapphire. U. fi6 in. Weight, 75 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coii.) 1837. Gold ; slender hoop ; bezel a square setting with four claws containing a sapphire. D. I in. Weight, 66 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) Said to have been found at Oxford, April, i860. 1838. Gold ; slender hoop thickening towards the bezel, which is an oval setting with a sapphire held by four short claws. D. I'oS in. Weight, ico grains. (Londesborough Coll.) From Armagh. The bezel has no base, probably by accident rather than design. 1839. Another ; slender hoop ; bezel a large oval setting with four claws, containing a cabochon amethyst. D. i'o2 in. Weight, 96 grains. (Londesborougb Coll.) T. Croft on Croker, Catalogue, &c., no. 49. 1840. Gold ; slender hoop ; bezel a setting in form of an inverted pyramid, containing a chrj'soprase held by four claws. D. II in. Weight, 40 grains. Found in the Thames. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 261 1841. Gold ; the hoop rounded (jii outer side ; it terminates in conventional monsters' heads w hich support a long bezel in the form of a flat band cut to contain a ruby and a sapphire side by side, the stones secured by claws at each end. Plate XXIV. ]). -gS in. Weight, 40 grains. (Garthe Coll., Cologne.) The ring is restored by means of two small plates at the juncture of hoop and bezel near the sapphire. 184a. Another ; of similar design ; thinner hoop, and a single sapphire in the bezel. D. -9 in. Weight, 30 grains. (Garthe Coll., Cologne.) 1843. Another ; similar, but without monsters' heads ; a sapphire. D. '92 in. Weight. 34 grains. 1844. Another ; with hands holding the bezel instead of monsters' heads ; a dark sapphire. See figure. D. I in. Weight, 40 grains. 1844a. Silver {;il t ; the outside of the hoop pearled at the back ; the shoulders conventionally modelled as monsters' heads supporting a high bezel, in which is a ruby glass paste held by four claws. D. I-I2 in. 1845. Silver gilt ; on each shoulder of the hoop two projections ; between these rises a high bezel in the form of a conical setting with four claws, containing a sapphire. I). f04 in. Weight, 27 grains. 1846. Silver ; slender hoop with projections on shoulders ; the bezel has four claws holding an oval jasper. D. "93 ip. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 1847. Bronze ; plain hoop broadening to the shoulders, where it is pounced with scrolls ; oval bezel with four claws containing a sapphire. D. I -06 in. The ring was probably once gilt. 1848. Bronze : stirrup-shaped hoop punched with similar scrolls on the shoulders ; oval bezel with claws containing a dark blue paste. D. 1 in. Found near Cambridge. 262 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1849. Gold ; on each shoulder transverse ribs. The conical bezel rises between two volutes, and contains a sapphire held bj- four claws. Plate XXIV. D. 1-12 in. Weight, S5 grains. (Zschille Coll., no. 59.) 1850. Gold ; on each shoulder a pierced disk from which rise pierced scrolls supporting a high conical bezel, in which i.* an amethyst held by four claws. Plate XXIV. D. 112 in. Weight. 129 grains. 1903. From Sweden. 1851. Gold: plain rounded hoop ; oval bezel flanked by four pellets, and containing a pale sapphire held by four claws. Plate XXV. D. I -04 in. Weight, 130 grains. From a sand-drift on the coast of Scania, Sweden. 1852. Gold : on each shoulder and on the sides of the bezel symmetrical foliate designs in relief; the bezel, nearly triangular, has four claws and contains a dark amethyst. See figure. D. I •12 in. Weight, 103 grains. From Wiston, Sussex. Exhibited at Ironmongers' Hall in 1861 (Catalogue of Antiquities, &c., 1869. vol. ii. p. 48S). 1853. Gold ; the hoop, which is rounded on the outer side, has at the back a rectangular panel with formal foliate ornament reserv^ed in the metal, and round the sides a band of engraved fret ; from each shoulder rises a flower on a high stem, the petals formed by loops. The bezel has four large claws containing an e\-e-agate. Levantine, i^tk—i^h century. D. I -34 in. Weight, 135 grains. Obtained in Crete. 1854. Gold ; flat hoop broadening to the shoulders, which are cut into scrolls : between these rises a high setting with two claws, containing a turquoise. See figure. ij/Zr century. D. f3 in. Weight, 97 grains. Obtained in .'Uexandria. Note. — The following rings are without stones : 1855. Silver; the shoulders form conventional monsters' heads ; projecting bezel, terminating in a pyramid in imitation of a pyramidal cr>stal. 13/// century. D. 96 in. (Soden Smith Coll. » ORNAMENTAL RINGS 263 1856. Su.viCK ; the shoulders engraved witli iliagonal bands ; pyramidal bezel terminating in a knob. 13/// century. D. v\ in. (Soden Smith Coll.) The type resembles that of the 'stirrup-shaped ' gold rings (nos. 1782 flf.;. 1857. Sll.VEK ; similar form, but lower bezel, flat at the top; both sides and top engraved with crosses. \},tli century. I). '8 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) From Peterborough. 1858. Bkonzi-; ; the bezel representing two dragons' heads crossing each other. 13//; century. D. "94 in. Obtained in Rome. 1859. Gold ; slender hoop in the form of an oval setting which, in.stead of a stone, contains a plate of gold, having in relief the arms of England as borne from A.D. 1405 to A.D. 1603 : France Modern and England quartcrl)-. The ring; 14th century. U. '9 in. \Veight, 29 grains. The plate upon the bezel perhaps replaced an earlier stone, and is probably of later date than the period suggested by the arms. i860. Silver gilt; on each shoulder a rosette in relief; the bezel a pinnacle, probably once surmounted b)' a globular pearl, supported by two crocket-like scrolls. Italian, \A,tli century. D. ro8 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. This ring has points of analogy with others from Chalcis in the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford. Cf. also nos. 1S19- 24 above. 1861. Silver ; hoop of triangular section ; bezel an applied quatrefoil, engraved. D. ro8 in. 1853. Found at Metal Hill, Meldreth, Cambridgeshire. 1862. Silver ; round the hoop a band of small quatrefoils in relief. Bezel an engraved quatrefoil. D. '9 in. 1865. 1863. Bronze; a plain hoop with applied bezel in the form of an eightfoil. \i,th century. D. ro7 in. O . of bezel, -6 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. II. A.D. 1450 to A.D. 1650. 1864. Silver ; rounded hoop ; applied citxular bezel with a capital c in relief. Italian, \^th century. D. I'd in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 264 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1865. SiLVKR ; round ihe hoop a band of quatrefoils upon a niello ground ; circular bezel with a cross pattee in niello. Italian, about A.li. 1450. D. ■9'«. Gli.r I'.RONZE; the shoulders have scrolls on a ground of black enamel; high rectangular bezel set with a table-cut amethyst glass paste ; the sides are cut to .simulate claws, as in the last example, and at the bottom have foliate designs on a ground of black enamel ; the bottom is similarly enamelled. Italian, i6i/i century. 1). I "4 in. 1956. Gold ; shoulders chased with floral ornament anil once enamelled ; rectangular bezel containing a crystal. Italian, 16 th century. • 1). '87 in. Weight, 44 grains. 1957- Gold; the shoulders chased with scrolls for enamel, now lost; high hexagonal bezel containing a faceted garnet set in claws ; round the sides of the bezel a band of white enamel, and on the back IHS engraved, with crosses. 16//;! century. D. ro4 in. Weight, 59 grains. 1958. Gold ; shoulders and sides of bezel chased for enamel, now lost ; hexagonal bezel set with a turquoise. 16th century. D. I in. Weight, 88 grains. 1959. Gold ; the sides of the hoop chased with scrolls and enamelled ; the sides and back of the oval bezel, which contains a turquoise, also enamelled in blue, green, and white. Early I'/tk century. D. ro8 in. Weight, 61 grains. i960. Gold ; the shoulders of the hoop enamelled in white and translucent colours ; oval bezel rounded beneath, where it is enamelled with leaves, set with a diamond ; round the sides conventional claws. Plate XXVU. Early \-j tit century. D. I in. Weight, 70 grains. 1961. Gold ; the exterior of the hoop chased with a band of astragalus for enamel, now lost ; the shoulders scrolled. On the flat bezel are I'rometheus and the vulture in high relief, with traces of enamel. Late idth century. D. '92 in. Weight, 67 grains, llaniiltun Coll. 1856. T 2 276 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1962. Goi.D ; the shoulders chased ; oval bezel scalloped beneath, containing a cupid's head in onyx. Late \6th century. D. -98 in. Weight, 70 grains. 1963. Another: square bezel with cupid's head in on\-x. Late \6th century. I). rc4 in. Weight, 32 grains. Hamilton Coll. 1856. 1964. Another ; the hoop with leaves in relief, and pierced at the shoulders ; oval bezel reeded at back, with cupid's head cut in cameo on onyx. Laic id til century. D. '82 in. Weight, 33 grains. From Messina. 1965. Gold ; similar hoop ; oval bezel set with a rubj-. Late itt/i century. D. 73 in. Weight, 32 grains. 1966. Gold ; the shoulders scrolled ; high oval bezel with a cupid's face in high relief. Plate XXVI. Late i6t/t century. D. l'04 in. Weight, 33 grains. 1967. Gold ; the shoulders scrolled ; the bezel resembling a flower with four tiers of petals. Late i6t/i century. D. "77 in. Weight, 31 grains. 1968. Silver GILT ; the shoulders chased with scrolls in high relief; raised oval bezel reeded at the back, engraved with a letter L and a heart on a ground of foliage. German, \6th century. D. I'd in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1969. Gold ; the shoulders chased and once enamelled ; higii bezel, enamelled in black beneath and on the sides, and containing a diamond. itth centuty. D. "94 in. Weight, 33 grains. iSoden Smith Coll.) 1970. Gold ; slender hoop expanding to the shoulders, which are finely chased with .scrolls reser\'ed on a ground of black enamel ; oval bezel containing a glass paste simulating a cameo on ony.v, and representing Cupid with his quiver, carrying doves on a stick over his shoulder. The back of the bezel is ornamented with scrolls in black enamel. Plate XXVI. D. i-i in. Weight, 166 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. The cameo paste is antique. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 277 1971. Gold ; once enamelled ; flat hoop expandin^j to the shouldcis, where, as on the sides of the bezel, it is chased with scrolls; octagonal bezel containing a plate of iron, and engraved on the back with a geometrical design. //alinii, 1 hth century. D. ro4 in. Weight, 155 grains. 1972. (jiiLl) ; once enaincUeil ; the shoulders chased with palmettes and scrolls with masks in relief; oval bezel with the sun in his splendour reserved in the metal, within a scrolled border below which are the letters C B. Late vdth eeiituiy. U. "9 in. Weight, 112 grains. Castellan! Coll. 1S72. 1973- Bronzk gilt ; slender hoop, wdth foliate ornament in relief on the shoulders ; oval bezel with an oval shield of arms surmounted by a coronet : azure, on a fesse or, a cinqucfoil between in chief a sun in his splendour, and in base a lan)b. Late \f)th century. ]). ri in. The bezel has a deep longitudinal slit extending to the shoulders, as if it had contained a knife-blade. 1974. Gold ; diminutive ring ; the shoulders engraved with foliate ornament ; circular bezel engraved with a crescent upon a dotted ground. i6tk century. D. '54 in. Weight, 36 grains. Obtained in Naples. 1975- BkON/.L GILT; the hoop imbricated on the outer side, and expanding to an oval bezel with a laureate imperial bust to r. in relief. \(tth century. D. "94 in. 1976. Silver ; the shoulders rudely chased with floral ornament ; large oval bezel chased with letters R M in monogram : above and below the letters an open flower. See figure. German, i ~th century. D. "96 in. (Uraybrooke Coll.) The hoop is broken. 1977. Another ; similar, similarly chased. but smaller, with the letters D M Sec figure. D. -82 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) This ring is in exactly the same style as the other. It is possible that the two may have been betrothal-rings. 278 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1978. Silver ; flat hoop with raised rims ; round the outer side a band of quatre- foils. I'jt/i centuiy. D. '96 in. (Hailstone Coll.) From Monkstown, Cork. The hoop is broken. 1979. Silver gilt ; plain hoop, with appHed circular bezel set with a carbuncle. \(ith century. D. -96 in. 1980. Silver gilt ; hoop of triangular section at back, faceted on shoulders, expanding to a pointed oval bezel containing a gilt mask of Silenus in relief under a cabochon crystal. 17 /A century. D. yyi in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 1981. Bronze gilt ; hoop ornamented on the outer side with a wreath in relief; transverse ribs on shoulders. Large oblong bezel containing a turquoise glass paste. 17/A century. D. 1-6 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1982. Gold ; slender hoop, the shoulders engraved for enamel ; hexagonal bezel enamelled in black beneath and containing a cabochon clear glass paste. \()th century. D. -98 in. Weight, 56 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. 1983. Gold ; once enamelled ; the hoop with arabesque scrolls reserved in the metal ; bezel rectangular at the top, and containing a crystal set with claws, and below pyramidal, chased with palmettes. \6th century. D. "92 in. Weight, 43 grains. Castellani Coll. 1 S72. 1984. Gold ; slender hoop ; bezel square at the top and containing a crystal ; the sides reeded and contracting below. D. "96 in. Weight, 20 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 1985. Gold ; the shoulders chased for enamel with a design of leaves ; bezel cut to an irregular quatrefoil and containing a triangular diamond. Late \bth century. D. "84 in. Weight, 33 grains. 1986. Gold ; slender hoop expanding to an octagonal bezel containing a turquoise. Late \f)th century. D. -66 in. Weight, 19 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. ORNAMKNTAL RINGS 279 1987. Gdi.i); the lioop of triangular section ; on the shoulders herring-bone design reserved on ground of black enamel ; calyx-shaped bezel also enamelled in black on the back and sides, containing a faceted white topaz (?) engraved with a monogram. I'reuch, late xbl/i ecu I my. 1). '9 in. W'oiyht, 77 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. 1988. CidLD; slender hoop chased on the .shoulders with scrolls on ground of black enamel and expanding to a lozcnge-shapcd bezel similarly enamelled, with four claws partly enamelled white, and containing a diamond. Plate XXVI. Late 16 th century. I). '96 in. Weight, 68 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1989. Goi.i) ; on each shoulder a band of crescents reserved in the metal on ground of black enamel ; pyramidal bezel, also enamelled in black, supported by four large claws, and con- taining an emerald in a square setting. See figure. Late \6tli century. 1). v\i in. Weight, So grains. 1990. Another ; of similar type, containing a crystal. Plate XXVI. Late \6th century. D. -98 in. Weight, 76 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. 1991. Another ; similar; the bezel set with a diamond. Late i6ih century. D. '9 in. Weight, 60 grains, (liraybrooke Coll.) Two of the claws are broken. 1992. Bronze GH,T ; the hoop forms a trefoil at the shoulders, after which it contracts to the bezel, which is a high octagonal setting containing a cameo head of a cupid in glass paste. I't/i century. D. i'o8 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 1993. Gold ; similar hoop ; rectangular bezel channelled round the sides, containing a crystal glass paste. I'jth century. I). 1 in. Weight, 58 grains. Tlu' style of the bezel in this and the following numbers closely recalls that of rings dating from the Middle .■Xges (cf. nos. 1743 (if., I75i)- ^^^ '''e form of the hoops prevents such an early attribution ; it is further negatived by the whole character of no. 1992, with which all have distinct affinities. The hoops must be regarded .as degradations of the tiner sixteenth- century types with scrolls. 28o CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 1994. Gold ; similar lioop ; large rectangular bezel with channelled sides, having in the centre an oval pearled setting containing a cupid's head cut in sard, from which four ridges radiate to the corners. \-tIi century. O. I'l in. Weight, 100 grains. 1S66. 1995. Gold ; similar hoop ; high oval bezel containing a turquoise. 1 7/// century. D. I in. Weight, 44 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. The hoop broken at the back. 1996. Another ; similar hoop : high circular bezel with eight claws, containing a red glass paste. I ~th century. D. 75 in. Weight, 29 grains. Castellani Coll. I S72. 1997. Another ; similar, but with rectangular bezel containing a garnet. I "/th century. D. '66 in. Weight, 32 grains. 1998. Another ; similar, with a jacinth. x'jth century. D. •86 in. Weight, 41 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 1999. Bronze : once gilt ; similar hoop ; rectangular bezel rising to a pyramid and containing a garnet. I' tit century. D. v\-j in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1866. 2000. Another ; bezel flatter, and containing an emerald. I'ith century. D. "92 in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 2001. Another -, the bezel containing a crystal. I'/tk century. D. -98 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 2002. Another ; set with a garnet. x'/th centuty. D. -96 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 2003. Gold ; slender hoop and high rectangular bezel set with a crystal. 1 ~th century. D. I in. Weight, 45 grains. 2004. Another ; similar ; the bezel shallower and containing a ruby. 1 7/// century. D. "84 in. Weight, 31 grains. ORNAMKNTAL RINGS 281 2005. Goi.h; enamelled; tlic hooi) with scrolls in relief; hexagonal be/cl con- laiiiin;4 a diamond supported (in four hi^h claws and two enamelled trefoils, one on each side. Plate XXVII. Italian, late vhtii century. D. -98 in. Weight, 67 grains. (Soden .Smilh Coll.l 2006. G(.)l.li ; enamelled in black, pale blue, pale green, and white. The hoop has at the back two birds' heads, competing for a berry ; on each .side is a scroll in open-work. Two S-scroUs support a high bezel in which is a ruby held by four claws. Plate XXVII. Late \f)t/t century. I). ri2iii. Weight, 94 grains. (I5raybrookc Coll.) 2007. Gol.l): richly enamelled: the hoop ornamented on the shoulders with scrolls and rams' heads in high relief. The bezel is pyramidal, channelled round the base, and containing a ruby ; the sides arc ornamented with enamelled flowers and ribbons. German, late if)th century. D. i'28 in. Weight, 2CO grains. (Hraybrookc Coll.) 2008. Gm.l) : rich!}' enamelled ; the hoop of the fedc type with clasped hands at the back ; on each side of these a diamond and enamelled ornament, and on each shoulder four emeralds. The bezel is conical, with nine emeralds arranged in a cross, and chased scrolls with white and translucent red enamel ; the back, as well as the interior beneath the shoulders, is also enamelled with scroll and other designs in brilliant colours. Plate XXVI. German, late \6tlt century. D. "98 in. Weight, 128 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2009. Gold ; oval bezel set with an onjx cameo of the bust of a negro with a collar of diamonds ; the back has scrolls reserved upon a ground of black enainel, and in the centre a quatrefoil on a blue ground within a white circle. The shoulders represent negroes with turbans ; before them are escutcheons enamelletl ^ ,^g-^ ^' red and blue, on each of which is a ram's head in relief ^J ^SbS/&<^ and a quatrefoil. The back of the hoop is enamelled black and white ; in the interior under one shoulder is a sun, under the other a moon reserved upon a blue ground, the remaining space covered by scrolls reserved on a black ground with white border. Sec figure. German, late i6t/i century. D. r2 in. I., of bezel, 74 in. Weight, 155 grains. Waddesdon Bequest, 1898. C. H. Read, Tlie Waddesdon Hcq lie si, Worksof Art, &c., British Museum, 1902, no. 200. 282 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 20I0. GdM) ; the shoulders shaped and enamelled in translucent red, pale blue, green, and white : in the bezel is a ruby held in four claws and engraved in intaglio with a standing draped figure. Pi(i/e XW 11. \6th century. D. "9 in. Weight, 47 grains. The intagho is Late Roman. 2011. Gold; enamelled in green, red, and white ; the hoop in the form of a serpent, the body curved to a circle, and the head, at the bezel, attacking a bird. The eyes are inlaid with garnets. Plate XXVII. Italian, \6th century. D. -94 in. Weight, 84 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 2012. Gold ; the hoop formed of fish enamelled in bright colours. Sec figure, i -th century. D. 76 in. Weight, 58 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 2013. Gold ; the shoulders cross-hatched to receive white enamel, of which little remains ; rectangular bezel containing an oval ruby ; the sides enamelled in white, at each comer a vertical projection simulating a claw. i6tk century. D. "94 in. Weight, 95 grains. (Londesborough Coll.) Said to have been found at Canterbury. 2014. GOLD; the shoulders chased with a herring-bone design for white enamel, mostly lost ; rectangular bezel set with a ruby held by four claws, the sides contracting towards the hoop and enamelled white. English, I -^th century. D. 'Sz in. Weight, 28 grains. Found at Cambridge. 2015. Gold ; the hoop and sides of the bezel finely enamelled with arabesques on a white ground ; the bezel is heart-shaped and contains a jacinth. Plate XXVI, and see figure. English, early \ -jth century. §-:l!^TiXt''^<^ l^'i D. I in. Weight, 206 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) The style of the enamelling recalls that upon the back of the jewel in the Waddesdon Bequest presented by King James I to Mr. Thomas Lyte (C. H. Read, The Wcuidesdon Bequest : Catalogue of the Wiirks of Art, &c., British Museum, 1902, no. 167). ORNAMENTAL RINGS 283 2016. (iui.D; the hoop has designs lesemblintj peacocks' feathers in green enamel upon a i^nniml (if white ; the shoulders swell to a high triangular bezel containing an emerald. /V<2/c XXVI. English, \-ith century. IJ. 'y in. Weight, 36 grains. 2017. (ioi.D; the shoulders chased with a formal lloral design, once enamelled ; rectangular bezel enamelled at the back and on the sides with conventional lloral ornament on a white groimd, and containing a sapphire. I "jtli century. D. -99 in. Weight, 98 grains. (Bateman Coll.) 2018. Gold ; the shoulders and sides of the bezel enamelled in white and black ; rectangular bezel containing a faceted crystal on a sapphire foil. D. I in. Weight, 97 grains. 2019. Gold ; the exterior of the hoop and the sides of the bezel are chased and enamelled with floral scrolls in white, and tints of green and red; high rectangular bezel set with a faceted amethyst. The back of the bezel enamelled with conventional flowers. I "jtli century. \). I in. Weight, 63 grains. 2020. (iOLD; the hoop ornamented with scrolls in white and black enamel, con- tinued on the sloping sides of the large rectangular bezel, which contains a crystal over a rose foil. Late lyth century. U. ri in. Weight, 160 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. 2021. Gold ; the shoulders of the hoop chased in scrolls for enamel, now lost ; oblong bezel, the sides enamelled in white and black, containing a sapphire. Plate XXVII. Late x-jth century. D. ro7 in. Weight, 96 grains. 2022. (lOLD: the shoulders chased with similar scrolls, anil at the junction with the bezel forming pierced trefoils enamelled in white and black ; pyramidal bezel, enamelled on the base and sides with the same colours, and containing an amethyst. Plate XXVII. Late i-jth century. U. '86 in. Weight, 47 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. 2023. (JOLD ; the shoulders chased for enamel, now almost entirely lost; high rectangular bezel with fluted sides containing white enamel, now set with a piece of malachite. Late 17/// century. I). "9 in. Weight, 33 grains. The malachite probably replaces a lost gem. 284 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2024. Gold ; the shoulders of the hoop similarly scrolled ; the bezel rectangular at the top, where it is set with a rub}', and rounded underneath, where, as on the sides, there are traces of black enamel. Laic \']ih century D. -84 in. Weight, 58 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2025. Gold ; the shoulders with scrolls on ground of black enamel ; octagonal bezel set with an amethyst and ornamented on the sides with conventional floral designs enamelled white and black. Plate XXVII. Late i-jt/i century. D. "98 in. Weight, 59 grains. 2026. Gold ; pointed oval bezel set with a table diamond surrounded by ten other diamonds ; the under sides of the bezel enamelled with white scrolls on a black ground, the design continued on the shoulders of the hoop. Plate XXVUl. Late \-,th century. D. I in. Weight, 97 grains. 2027. Gold ; the shoulders chased with scrolls for enamel, of which only traces remain ; large pointed oval bezel set with an amethyst surrounded by a row of diamonds, three additional stones being added at each end. The sides of the bezel have flutings filled with black enamel. Plate XXVIII. Late i-jtli century. D. '86 in. Weight, 60 grains. 2028. Gold ; shoulders with scrolls on ground of black enamel ; large pointed oval bezel set with a garnet surrounded by alternating emeralds and rubies, the sides scalloped beneath, and enamelled in black with white dots. Plate XXVIII. Late \-th century. D. '9 in. Weight, 84 grains. 2029. Gold ; the hoop with floral designs reserved on ground of black enamel ; large pointed oval bezel set with a garnet surrounded by emeralds, the under side enamelled like the previous number. Plate XXVII. Late \^th century. D. '9 in. Weight, 87 grains. 2030. Gold ; the shoulders cut as trefoils enamelled white and black ; the bezel an oval setting containing a turquoise, flanked on each side by two rubies and an emerald in smaller settings. The sides of all settings have flutings filled with white, black, and pink enamel. At the back of the hoop a ridge-like projection. Late \~itlt century. IJ. vox in. Weight, 149 grains. The projection at the back suggests oriental influence. ORN'AMKNTAI. RINGS 285 2031. (Jill. I) ; similar l>i)c ; the shoulders with scrolls reserved on <(roiiiKl uf black enamel ; the oval setting in the middle contains a faceted crystal, and the smaller scltini^s beyond clear glass pastes ; the sides of all the settings and the back of the bezel are ornamented with scrolls in white and black enamel. At the back of the hoop a goldsmith's stamp with the tiara and crossed keys, the control-mark of tlie Papal States. 1 Vatc X Ml 1 . /. ale 1 7 /// century. I). i"04 in. Weight, 1 10 grains. Castellan! Coll. 1872. 2032. Cioi.D; the shoulders with scrolls reserved on white enamel, mostly lost; long oval bezel containing an emerald cut in cameo with two clasped hands, and bordered .it each end by a setting for three- rubies. The sides of all the settings have white enamel with scrolls in black. Late i']th century. I). I in. Weight, 79 grains. Obtaineth eentury. D. "88 in. Weight, 76 grains. Obtained at Naples. 288 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2052. Silver ; the hoop a flat band with raised ribbed borders ; the bezel is an applied circular plaque engraved with the letter T, once filled with enamel. German, 18/// century. D. I'oS in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2053. Silver c;ilt; each shoulder is chased with the half-figure of a winged female ; the bezel, which is between the wings, has three small figures in open- work — a man and a woman leading a child between them. \%th century. D. I-17 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2054. Silver gilt ; the hoop twisted at the back ; each shoulder is formed of two monsters with tails interlaced ; the bezel has an unengraved shield between their heads. Italian, early \ 8th century. D. i'02 in. 2055. Silver ; flat hoop ornamented on the outside with raised lozenges alter- nating with groups of four pellets. German, late I'jth century. D. -96 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) 2056. Silver ; plain hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a wreath. French, late i'jth century. D. -92 in. (Braybrooke CoU.) 2057. Silver ; slender twisted hoop ; bezel of three circular divisions simulating stones in settings ; between them four small settings in cable wire. East European. 1 8th century. D. "8 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 2058. Silver ; slender hoop ; bezel in the shape of a cinquefoil set with glass pa-stes, that in the centre green, the rest dark blue. Late I'jth century. D. "9 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 2059. Silver gilt; the shoulders and sides of the bezel modelled with scrolls: circular bezel set with a dark stone. Hungarian, late \-jth century. 1). n4 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2060. Another ; similar ; the circular bezel containing an unengraved silver plate. D. fl4 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2061. Another ; high hexagonal bezel containing a garnet crystal. D. 1 28 in. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 289 2062. Silver ; on each shoulder a square panel with engraved ornament ; flat circular bezel raised upon a projecting stem, and engraved with conventional designs. Hungarian, late lytk ccutioy. D. PI in. I), of bezel, -86 in. 2063. Silver gilt; the shoulders modelled with foliate ornament; oval bezel set with a turquoise and engraved with foliage at the back. Inside the hoop is engraved a date : MDCLXXM. Hungarian, late I'jth century. D. I'l in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2064. Gold ; the shoulders scrolled and enamelled in green and blue ; oval bezel enamelled at the back, and containing a cabochon sard engraved in intaglio with a lion to left. Plate XXVII. Hungarian, late \-th century. D. l'2 in. Weight, 179 grains. 2065. Silver ; the shoulders moulded with trefoils ; circular bezel, reeded beneath, set with six table garnets ; a central stone wanting. Hungarian, \%th century. D. '92 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2066. Silver ; the exterior of the hoop has conventional designs reserved on a ground of black enamel, and on each shoulder a small panel, with rounded end, enamelled green and white ; the bezel is a rectangular setting with a crystal over a pale blue foil, flanked by two triangles of red enamel and two turquoise beads. The interior of the hoop beneath the bezel is enamelled blue and white. Hungarian, I'^th century. D. I in. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 2067. Gold ; slender hoop and leaf-shaped bezel set with a large emerald within a border of rubies and diamonds. Hungarian, early 1 H/// century. D. '97 in. Weight, 146 grains. Obtained at Budapest. 2068. Gold ; the shoulders chased with scrolls and half-figures of a man and a woman with arms raised behind their heads towards a lozenge-shaped bezel containing a pyramidal garnet. German, iSt/t century. D. i"2S in. Weight, 247 grains. 2o6g. Silver gilt ; the hoop expanding to the shoulders, which arc chased ; oval bezel set with, a cabochon topaz, engraved with the terrestrial globe, on which is the legend : IL L'A TOUCHE peut-ETRE. German, i ^th century. D. 1-25 in. (Braybrooke ColL) U 2go CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS 2070. Silver ; shoulders engraved with foliate designs ; rectangular bezel unengraved. German, \^th century. D. -SS in. 2071. Gold : the hoop pierced with foliate ornament ; oblong bezel, with a monogram A M L in open-work between four crj-stals. Plate XXVIII. 1 8/// century. D. •S5 in. 'Weight, So grains. The bezel is bent at the sides. 2072. Gold ; thin hoop with median ridge and with conventional scrolls at shoulders ; large hollow pear-shaped bezel set with a cabochon emerald. To one shoulder is attached a fragment of gold chain. South-eastern Europe, i^tk century. D. I '32 in. Weight, 66 grains. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 2073. Gold ; thin hoop bifurcating at the shoulders ; large circular bezel, with a central crystal surrounded by eight others of smaller size. Late ijih century. D. -98 in. Weight, 95 grains. ■ Castellani Coll. 1872. 2074. Gold : the shoulders channelled and filled with black enamel ; large circular bezel set with a central cross surrounded by a circle, all of pearls pierced and threaded on wires ; round both cross and circle, channels formerly filled with black enamel. See figure. Venetian (?), late I'jtk century. D. '96 in. Weight, 103 grains. (Bray- brooke Coll.) 2075. Another ; of similar design ; the bezel has a single central pearl surrounded by si.x others threaded on wires radiating from the centre. The under side of the bezel is lobed. Venetian (?), late i "jth century. D. 106 in. Weight, 68 grains. 2076. Gold ; the shoulders chased with foliage and bifurcating with scrolled ends ; open-work bezel with five diamonds of different size. Early i^t/t century. D. I in. Weight, 122 grains. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 291 2077. Gold ; the shoulders of the hoop arc in the form of hands supporting an oval bezel set with a turquoise. \~th century. D. '82 in. Weight, 52 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) For a similar type of bezel with the hands supporting a heart cf. nos. 1 103-4. 2078. Bronze gilt ; similar design, but the setting contains a garnet and is surmounted by a conventional crown. English, \-ith century. D. "94 in. C'.iven by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 2079. Gold ; similar design ; the hands are enamelled white, and have diamonds in settings over the wrist ; the rectangular bezel contains an emerald, and is surmounted by three foliate projections. English, i~ith century. D. 74 in. Weight, 32 grains. Found at Newport Castle, Monmouthshire. 2080. Gold ; slender hoop ; pierced circular bezel resembling a rosette, partly enamelled in black and set with a diamond. Early i^th century. D. -84 in. Weight, 20 grains. 2081. Gold ; the shoulders scrolled and ornamented with floral designs, still partially filled with black enamel ; high circular bezel, set with five square garnets, the spaces between the settings filled with black enamel dotted with white ; the under side is ornamented with quatrcfoils reserved upon a ground of black enamel. Plate XXVII. Late \-jth century. D. -88 in. Weight, 46 grains. 2082. Gold ; slender hoop ; applied circular bezel representing a rosette set with garnets, the central stone pear-shaped, the others square. Italian, early iHth century. D. -92 in. Weight, 69 grains. 2083. Gold ; the hoop divides into three limbs at the bezel, which is pear-shaped, and thickly set with table-cut garnets. On the hoop a goldsmith's stamp with the letters L.C. Italian, early I'^th century. D. I in. Weight, 92 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 2084. Gold ; the shoulders bifurcating ; circular silver bezel simulating a rosette, and set with sparks of diamond. Italian, early i^th century. D. "9 in. Weight, 70 grains. Obtained near Ancona. U 2 2g2 CATALOGUE OF FIiNGER-RINGS 2085. Silver; the hoop pierced with scrolls at the sides and bifurcating at the shoulders, the spaces between the diverging limbs covered by leaves ; circular bezel set with marcasites. 1 8/// century. D. "97 in. 2086. Gold ; slender hoop ; the shoulders modelled with transverse ribs, and bifurcating at the ends, where each has an applied leaf, with a diamond in a square setting. The bezel has a carnelian cut in cameo with a female bust in a setting which follows its outline. Early \%th cenhtry. D. -96 in. Weight, 34 grains. 2087. Gold ; the hoop pierced and bifurcating at the shoulders, the spaces between the limbs occupied by settings for stones now lost. Oval bezel containing a cameo onyx with a female head to left. Early i ^th century. D. '8 in. Weight, 31 grains. The cameo is of the sixteenth centurj'. 2088. Gold ; slender hoop with median ridge round the outside ; the bezel is a heart-shaped setting with a diamond, flanked by two oval settings, each containing a ruby. Early \%th century. D. -82 in. Weight, 34 grains. 2089. Gold; slender hoop enamelled on the shoulders; the bezel has a square diamond between two triple settings, each with three diamonds of smaller size. The under sides of all the settings have flutings filled with black enamel dotted with white. Early i8t/i century. D. '82 in. Weight, 61 grains. 2090. Gold ; the hoop channelled round the outer side, and having on each shoulder an applied leaf; the bezel is a deep circular setting containing a ruby, flanked by two triple settings of silver, with sparks of diamond. Early \ith century. D. -98 ia Weight, 80 grains. Castellani Coll. 1S72. 2091. Gold ; the hoop is in the form of foliate scrolls ; the shoulders bifurcate, the spaces between the limbs being filled by applied leaves; the high circular bezel, containing a ruby and ornamented on the sides with scrolls, is flanked by two small silver settings, each with a diamond spark. Early iHt/i century. D. I -04 in. Weight, 71 grains. Castellani Coll. 1872. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 293 2092. Gold ; the hoop pierced at the sides and bifurcating at the shoulders ; the bezel is an oval setting with a central diamond surrounded by a ring of the same stones ; it is flanked on each side by two small settings, each containing a diamond. Plate XXVIII. Early \Wi ccnUny. D. "86 in. Weight, 79 grains. 2093. Gold ; the bezel consists of an oval setting containing a diamond between two smaller settings, one with a ruby, the other with an emerald. Italian, early \fith century. U. '9 in. Weight, 36 grains. 2094. Gold ; oblong bezel containing in the middle a square ruby glass paste, flanked on each side by three crystal pastes. Italian, i^th century. D. '9 in. Weight, 48 grains. From Avellino. 2095. Silver ; of the same type. In the middle of the bezel is a carnclian engraved in intaglio with a nude figure of a faun seated to right, holding a thyrsus in one hand and a lyre in the other ; on either side a triple setting with ruby and emerald glass pastes. Italian, iHt/i century. D. '94 in. The gem is antique. 2096. Gold; the hoop has at each shoulder a collar, beyond which it bifurcates, the space in each case being filled by a setting with a diamond ; the bezel is a deep oval setting with a larger diamond. Plate XXVII. English, early iHt/t century. D. '84 in. Weight, 61 grains. 2097. Gold ; the hoop scrolled with leaves and bifurcating at the bezel, the two spaces between the limbs filled by two settings, each with a diamond ; the bezel is a deep setting reeded beneath and containing a rectangular diamond. English, i8th century. D. 7 in. Weight, 19 grains. The hoop is broken. 2098. Gold ; the hoop bifurcates at the shoulders, where it is enamelled in blue and white ; oblong bezel containing an emerald, and engraved on the sides with enamelled floral ornament ; it is enamelled beneath with a rosette on a blue ground. To right and left are two smaller settings containing rubies. English, i^th century. D. '88 in. Weight, 63 grains. 294 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2099. Gold ; slender hoop, the shoulders engraved for enamel, now lost : cruciform bezel set with five rubies. Italian, early 18/// century. D. "9 in. Weight, 59 grains. 2100. Gold ; the hoop with bifurcating baluster shoulders, the space between the limbs in each case filled by a leaf: the bezel is a large oval setting containing a cabochon amethyst. Early i8t/e century. D. ri6 in. Weight, 114 grains. 2IOI. Gold ; the hoop bifurcating at the shoulders, the interspace in each case filled by a third limb of silver ; large oval bezel fluted beneath, containing, under glass, St. George killing the dragon, enamelled in colours in relief. Plate XXVIII. English, \8th century. D. "98 in. Weight, 82 grains. 2102-3. Gold ; pair of rings. Each has bifurcating shoulders, with a setting between the limbs containing a diamond ; the bezel consists of an oblong setting with an emerald, above which is a triple setting with an emerald flanked by diamonds, and below a single setting with a diamond. Spanish, \%th century. D. '9 in. Weights, 49 and 50 grains. 2104. Gold ; the shoulders pierced ; the bezel has an oval setting with a turquoise, above and below which are two rubies, and to right and left two diamonds ; between the stones are C-shaped scrolls. Plate XXVIII. English, \%th century. D. 77 in. Weight, 32 grains. 2105. Gold ; the shoulders pierced ; the bezel similarly arranged to that of the preceding number, but with an amethyst between four diamonds. Plate XXVIII. D. '9 in. Weight, 30 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 2106. Gold ; the hoop forms five scrolls, on four of which is a legend in relief on a ground once enamelled : Elle brille partOUT. Open-work bezel with a star formed of a central diamond, with three smaller diamonds and three garnets. D. '86 in. Weight, 32 grains. 2107. Gold ; the hoop forms three scrolls, on which are the words VOYEZ ET SOUVENEZ reserved in the metal on a ground once enamelled white. The ORNAMENTAL RINGS 295 bezel is in open-work, and set with a rcctant^ular emerald, surrounded by two rubies and two diamonds. English, J ^th century. D. "S in. Weight, 32 grains. Comparison with dated mourning-rings proves that this ring dates from about the year 1760. 2108. Gold ; slender hoop ; open-work bezel, with an anchor, once enamelled, between a ruby and a diamond of unequal size. To right and left were two small settings, probably both containing diamonds, though only one now remains. English, 18/// century. D. '82 in. Weight, 27 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2109. Gold ; the hoop fashioned into scrolls and pierced at the shoulders ; the bezel has in the centre a diamond and a ruby, below which is a diamond and above a crown set with a ruby between two diamonds ; to right and left two settings, each with a diamond. Plate XXVIII. English, i8t/i century. D. '84 in. Weight, 77 grains. 2110. Gold ; each shoulder set with an emerald ; the bezel has two diamonds one over the other, flanked by two rubies and surmounted by three diamonds in a line, suggesting a crown. English, iSth century. D. 74 in. Weight, 25 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2111. Gold ; the shoulders chased with floral designs ; open-work bezel in form of a flower set with a ruby between two diamonds. English, 18 th century. D. '86 in. Weight, 33 grains. The present, with the following sixteen numbers, are Giardinetti rings, so called from the arrangement in their bezels of gems representing flowers. They are chiefly English, and date from the middle to the third quarter of the eighteenth century. 2112. Another ; the shoulders pierced, and ornamented with cinquefoil flowers in blue enamel ; the bezel represents a basket of flowers, the body of the basket set with a diamond, the flowers themselves with three diamonds and two rubies. D. -82 in. Weight, 44 grains. 2113. Another ; a similar basket ; the flowers are set with a diamond and four rubies. D. "97 in. Weight, 44 grains. 296 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2114. Another : bifurcating shoulders enamelled in black and pale blue, and containing two settings, one with a diamond, the other with a ruby. The bezel has a diamond and niby side by side, and above, a ruby between two diamonds. D. "8 in. Weight, 39 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2115. Another ; the bezel has a flower composed of a diamond between two leaves, each set with three small diamonds ; below are three rubies in a line, and a single diamond. D. -83 in. \^■eight, 54 grains. 2116. Another; the hoop in the form of scrolls engraved with foliage ; the bezel has seven settings among pellets and surmounted by stems ; they contain three sapphires in a vertical line, on either side of which are a sapphire and a ruby. At the back is a circular setting containing plaited hair (?) under glass. D. "9 in. Weight, 48 grains. 2117. Another ; the hoop shaped to scrolls and pierced at the shoulders ; the bezel suggests flowers set with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds — twelve stones in all. D. 72 in. Weight, 32 grains. A ribbed wire is twisted domi one side, and an emptj' space on the other suggests that a similar wire is there missing. 2118. Another ; the hoop shaped to floral scrolls ; the bezel set with four rubies, six diamonds, and four sapphires. D. 78 in. Weight, 31 grains. • 2119. Another ; the bezel set with three diamonds, three rubies, two sapphires, and an opal. D. -88 in. Weight, 59 grains. 2120. Another ; the bezel represents tulips set with six diamonds and two rubies. Plate XXVIII. D. "9 in. Weight, 66 grains. 2121. Another ; the bezel has a large circular flower with a diamond surrounded by six rubies, and in addition three more rubies and two diamonds. Plate XXVIII. D. '8 in. Weight, 45 grains. 2122. Another ; a small rosette on each shoulder ; the bezel represents flowers and stems set with one large and four smaller rubies, and three diamonds. Plate XXVIII. D. -83 in. Weight, 68 grains. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 297 2123. AnoTIIKR ; the bezel has flowers with three red blossoms (rubies) ; on the leaves and other blossoms are eight small diamonds. Plate XXVIII. D. '9 in. Weight, 56 grains. 2124 5. Pair ok KING.s ; in the same style ; each is of the same design, the hoop formed to represent leaves, the bezel having a large circular flower with a central diamond surrounded by rubies (nine in one" case, eight in the other) ; to the right is a bud set with a diamond ; below are divergent leaves with four rubies, while another bud beneath has a diamond. D. "9 in. and 76 in. Weights, 77 and 72 grains. 2126. Gold ; the hoop a plain wire ; the bezel representing flowers entirely set with diamonds. Plate XXVIII. D. 76 in. Weight, 36 grains. 2127. Gold ; bezel an open flower amid sprays, all set with marcasites. See figure. 1 8/// century. D. '94 in. Weight, 47 grains. 2128. Gold ; flat hoop engraved with foliage rapidly expanding to a broad pierced bezel with a monster amid foliage set with diamond sparks. Gennan, \^th century. D. '86 in. Weight, 60 grains. 2129. Gold ; the shoulders pierced with scrolls ; the bezel a quatrefoil setting with four crystals representing leaves. 1 8/// coitury. D. 74 in. Weight, 40 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 2130. Gold ; triple hoop gradually expanding to a circular bezel set with a central diamond surrounded by five topazes, representing the leaves of an open flower ; between the leaves, five small emeralds. English, 18 t/i centurj'. D. 77 in. Weight, 60 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) 213L Gold ; open-work shoulders ; oblong bezel set with a faceted topaz between two silver settings, each containing a diamond. i8t/i cent my. D. -96 in. Weight, 53 grains. 2132. Gold ; the hoop with pierced quatrefoil designs at the shoulders ; oval bezel set with a faceted garnet. iSt/t cent/try. D. -8 in. Weight, 27 grains. Obtained in Naples in 1883. 298 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2133. Gold ; the shoulders and sides of bezel pierced with floral scrolls and set with diamonds ; the bezel is an oblong silver setting with claws, containing a faceted amethyst. English, 1 8//; century. D. I -03 in. Weight, 105 grains. 2134. Gold ; the shoulders and sides of the bezel pierced with floral scrolls ; oval bezel set with a sard engraved in intaglio with a bust of Minerva to right. 18/// century. D. ri in. Weight, 85 grains. The intaglio is ancient Roman. 2135. Gold ; the shoulders with transverse ribs enclosing diagonal lines ; large oval bezel set with a cameo in coral, representing the bust of a beardless king crowned ; in the surrounding border topazes alternate with pearls. \%th century. D. I '02 in. Weight, 75 grains. An old possession of the Museum. 2136. Gold ; oval bezel set with a cameo onyx with a lyre, and surrounded by a wreath set with emeralds. t0. See figure. i8//r century. D. "9 in. Weight, 69 grains. Blacas Coll. 1866. 2137. Gold ; flat hoop, pierced with fine filigree scrolls ; bezel an oval setting with cable and pellet borders round the base, and containing an onyx cameo, a female head to left, with a band over the hair. Italian ; tlie hcop i^th century, the cameo \6tli century. D. '98 in. Weight, 66 grains. Obtained in Florence. 2138. Gold ; plain hoop with enamelled leaves on the shoulders ; circular bezel with pearled border containing a cross enamelled in dark green on a white ground. Maltese, i8t/t century. D. 'Ss in. Weight, 44 grains. 2139. Another ; similar ; the shoulders plain ; the cross enamelled in white on black. U. "S in. Weight, 32 grains. 2140. Another ; diminutive ; twisted hoop ; cross enamelled white on gold ground. D. -68 in. Weight, S grains. 2141. Gold ; slender hoop with median ridge round the outside ; rectangular bezel with sloping sides, reeded, containing an emerald. English, 1 8/// century. D. 78 in. Weight, 19 grains. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 299 2142. Goi.n ; slender twisted hoop ; bezel a circular setting with claws, containing an emerald. Englisli, 1H//1 century. V>. 'S in. Weight, 10 grains. 2143. Gold ; the shoulders chased with quatrcfoils ; bezel an oval raised setting with vandyked edges, containing a blue stone. On the outside of the hoop, below the chased designs, goldsmiths' stamps. Italian, 1 8//; century. D. '9 in. Weight, 54 grains. 2144. Gold ; angular shoulders expanding to the bezel and chased with foliate ornament ; oval bezel set with a garnet. On the hoop similar goldsmiths' stamps to those of no. 2143. Italian, i2ithce?itury. D. "SS in. Weight, 76 grains. 2145. Gold ; short angular shoulders, engraved, like the sides of the bezel, with flowers ; oblong bezel set with a garnet. Italian, i^th century. D. "8 in. Weight, 97 grains. 2146. Gold ; slender hoop channelled round the outer side ; open-work bezel forming a knot. i^th century. D. 73 in. Weight, 16 grains. 2147. Silver ; flat hoop chased with floral scrolls ; bezel a shield supported by two recumbent figures ; it is engraved with a turreted castle, and surmounted by a coronet. Italian, i^th century. D. I in. 2148. Gold ; slender hoop ; oval bezel, with a head of Hercules, repousse in gold under glass. Italian, iSt/t century. D. '84 in. Weight, 34 grains. Obtained in Taranto. 2149. Gold ; the hoop slender with goldsmiths' stamps at the back (H. L. (?), L. C, &c.); oblong open-work bezel with a central rectangular emerald surrounded by enamelled red petals ; beyond, on each side, a jacinth between red and green enamelled leaves. Sicilian, iHt/i century. D. I in. Weight, 64 grains. 300 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2150. Bronze ; the front polygonal with five faces, four engraved with conven- tional floral designs ; that in the middle, forming the bezel, is engraved with the name Garcia. Above the three middle panels a slit is cut, leaving above it a rounded band or bar. Sfatiisli, iSt/i century. D. -SS in. 2151. Another ; similar ; engraved on the shoulders with shields, and on the five panels with hands and geometrical designs. D. -g in. 2152. Gold ; the hoop engraved with overlapping leaves ; unengraved rectangular bezel. English, J^tk century. D. '82 in. Weight, 35 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Found at Selsey, 1871. 2153. Gold ; the hoop is pierced at the shoulders with floral designs, and has a pearled band round the outer side ; oblong bezel containing an onyx cut in cameo with a seated cupid and a goose, within a border of rubies. English, iSth century. D. "9 in. Weight, S2 grains. 2154. Gold ; slender hoop ; large oval bezel reeded at the back, containing, under glass, a ship modelled in wax, entering a port, with buildings in the background ; border of rubies. English, \%th century. D. '9 in. Weight, 57 grains. 2155. Gold ; slender hoop ; oval bezel with border of garnets, containing, under glass, a representation of a plant in brown hair upon a ground of white silk. English, iSth century. D. '86 in. Weight, 32 grains. This number, like the following, may be compared with the mourning-rings, nos. 15806'. 2156. Gold ; slender hoop ; oval bezel with border of marcasite containing, under glass, a representation of a plant executed in fair hair. English, \%th century. D. 78 in. Weight, 33 grains. 2157. Gold ; oval bezel with border of crystal glass pastes, containing on a ground of pale rose foil the initials T A W in monogram. English, 1 8/// century. D. '9 in. Weight, 86 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) ORNAMENTAL RINGS 301 2158. Gold ; circular bezel with border of pearls, containing, under glass, the word Aiiiitic in twisted wire over a broad diagonal band of gold, beneath which is dark blue enamel. English, late iHf/i ccnttiry. D. "9 in. Weight, 84 grains. 2159. Gold ; oval bezel set with a red glass paste, on wliicli are the initials T S in monogram, in marcasites within a border of the same. Englis/i, late I'^th century. D. "84 in. Weight, 99 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2160. Gold ; large oval bezel with a ground of purple enamel, on which arc a shepherdess's hat, a horn and crook (?), and floral sprays, all executed in pearls within a border of the same ; on the hat a ribbon and flowers in garnets. English, late 18/// century. D. I'i6 in. Weight, 1S6 grains. 2161. Gold ; slender hoop and large oval bezel with a ground of blue enamel, on which is a flower in gold and pearls ; border of pastes. Plate XXVIII. English, late \^th century. D. l'38 in. Weight, 162 grains. (Lady Charlotte Schreiber Coll.) 2162. Silver ; long oval bezel containing a miniature of a lady standing b)- an ornamental vase in a landscape with trees. Plate XXVIII. English, late iSth century. D. 1-22 in. (Lady Charlotte Schreiber Coll.) 2163. Gold ; slender hoop ; marquise bezel, with ground of dark blue enamel, having in the middle a rosette of crystal glass pastes and a borfler of the same. Plate XVIII. English, late iHth century. D. i'36 in. Weight, 87 grains. 2164. Silver; marquise bezel with a central rosette in pastes among six other single pastes on a ground of dark blue enamel ; fluted border. On one shoulder is a stamp, apparently the tiara and crossed keys, the control-mark of the Papal States. (Cf. no. 2031.) Late \'6th century. D. r22 in. 2165. Gold ; octagonal bezel with the initials C M in monogram on a ground of corded olive-green silk beneath glass. Late i?>th century. D. 74 in. Weight, 55 grains. 2166. Gold ; oval bezel clear-set with an agate. Late iHth century. D. -8 in. Weight, 54 grains. An old possession of the Museum. 302 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2167. Another ; the bezel set with clear glass and opening on a hinge at the back. Late \Zth century. D. -85 in. Weight, 43 grains. 2168. Gold : oval bezel set with a carnelian on which is a conventional temple in various coloured stones, the words a ramitie engraved on the architrave. French, late iSt/i century. D. "9 in. Weight, 79 grains. lOctavius Morgan Coll.) 2169. Another ; similar ; the ground of ony.x, the columns of the temple of lapis lazuli. French, late \^th century. D. "9 in. Weight, 79 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2170. Gold; the hoop composed of seven circles of wire, held one over the other by five containing vertical bands ; in the front are seven silver settings containing sparks of diamonds. English, xZth century. D. •S4 in. Weight, 35 grains. 2171. Gold ; hoop of nine wires with a vertical panel enamelled in dark blue and white. Sec figure. English, late 1 8/// century. D. 72 in. Weight, zS grains. (Octavius Morgan CoU.) 2172. Gold ; similar type, with six superposed settings containing ruby, emerald, garnet, amethyst, ruby, diamond. Sec figure. English, late x^th century. D. -86 in. Weight, 66 grains. A ' regard ' ring, so called from the fact that the initial letters of the gems composing the bezel form that word. 2173. Gold ; the hoop a plain wire on which is threaded a large pearl. Late \8th century. D. I in. Weight, 19 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2174. Gold ; hoop rounded on the outer side and engraved at the back with the letters : (P. 3. $. |&. (1(11. ; projecting rectangular bezel engraved with the arms of England as borne from 1802 to 1837, with a label of three points, and, below, a scroll with motto ICH DIEN. English, early \(jth century. D. I in. Weight, 196 grains. The arms are those of George \\ as Prince of Wales, and the letters at the back of the hoop stand for George Augustus Frederick Prince of Wales. ORNAMENTAL RINGS 303 2175. Gold ; hoop rounded on the outer side ; octagonal bezel engraved with a rose. Irish, \<.)lk century. 1). '94 in. Weight, 135 grains. 2176. Gold ; the lioop represents seven wires one above the other ; the bezel is formed of two rows of clusters of five pellets, within a border of pellets. Irish, i>)th century. D. "9 in. Weight, 63 grains. Said to have been found in Ireland. 2177. Another ; similar ; the wires of the hoop alternately plain and cabled ; the bezel with ' rosettes ' of wire loops round central pellets. D. "8 in. Weiglit, 32 grains. Said to have been found in Ireland. 2178. Gold ; the hoop a broad flexible band ; bezel a setting of irregular form containing an onyx cut in cameo with a cupid standing on a dolphin and blowing a horn. Italian, early i^ih century. D. '9 in. Weight, 1 1 1 grains. From Naples. 2179. Iron ; lined with gold ; the shoulders and sides of the bezel damascened with figures, masks, scrolls ; oval bezel with two doves (?) in gold in relief Italian, i()th century. D. i'2 in. 2180. Gold ; the outer side of the hoop is chased to represent Cupid embracing Psyche. iijth century. D. I in. Weight, 299 grains. 2181. Gold ; the hoop expanding from the back and enriched with filigree ; circular bezel with a faceted clear glass paste. Italian, i<^tli century. D. "92 in. Weight, 41 grains. 2182. SiLVLR ; plain hoop with large applied lozenge-shaped bezel on which is a square with another lozenge upon it ; at all the angles and upon the top, pellets in groups of three. On the outside of the hoop is engraved : lANNE L . DAN. Scandinavian, iqth century. D. I'S in. (Lady Charlotte Schrciber Coll.) The type is that of a large gold mediaeval ring in the Lou\rc. Cf. Jones, Finger-ring Lore, p. 71. 304 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2182a. Another ; silver gilt, reproducing the same design, but with a circular setting containing a pale plasma ; on the outside of the hoop are engraved the letters L : R : P : I : L. D. l'2 in. L. PEASANT RINGS These rings are usually of impure gold or silver gilt, set with glass pastes or stones of small value (chiefly garnets). They reproduce types in use from the seventeenth century to modem times. Though a few are of earlier date, most apparently date from the eighteenth century, and reproduce contemporary forms. The majority are probably to be regarded as love or betrothal rings. See also Introduction. (a) Italian. 2183. Silver gilt ; pierced shoulders, over each of which is a setting with an emerald ; high oval bezel, reeded at the back, set with a garnet. D. I -06 in. 2184. Another ; similar ; the same stones in the same arrangement. D. -93 in. 2185. Another ; similar. D. '9 in. 2186. Another. D. "94 in. 2187. Another ; similar ; but the place of the stones is taken by pastes of the same colours. D. i'c4 in. 2188. Another; in the centre an emerald glass paste; to right and left, red pastes. D. I in. 2189. Another ; an emerald paste in the centre ; crj'stal pastes to right and left. D. -98 in. 2190. Another ; with a crystal paste between two garnets. D. I in. 2191. Another ; a crystal paste over a yellow foil, between two garnets. D. -98 in. 2192. Another ; a pearl between two garnets. D. ro8 in. PEASANT RINGS 305 2193. Another ; a pearl between two garnets. D. -92 in. 2194. Another ; a pearl between two garnets. D. ro6 in. 2195. Another ; a pearl between two garnets. D. 105 in. 2196. .Aniviiif.r; a pearl between two garnets; the hoop scrolletl. See figure. D. I in. 2197. Another ; a faceted crj-stal paste between two garnets. D. 94 in. 2ig8. Another ; a garnet between two crystal pa.stes. D. '9 in. 2199. Goi.I) ; plain flat hoop ; bezel an oval central setting with a faceted crystal paste over a red foil, flanked by two triple settings each containing clear glass pastes. D. I in. 2200. Gold ; scrolled hoop ; bezel an oval setting with a jacinth paste flanked by two triple settings of silver containing diamond sparks. D. '9 in. 2201. Another ; similar ; an emerald paste flanked in the same way. D. '9 in. 2202. Another ; similar ; a garnet flanked b\- two settings with sparks of diamonds, each between two loops. D. '9 in. 2203. Gold ; the shoulders once enamelled ; large bezel with a faceted crystal paste surrounded by smaller pastes of the same kind ; the two over the shoulders arc larger than the rest. D. -96 in. 2204. Gold ; shoulders enamelled and pierced, \\\xh applied trefoil ornament ; circular bezel set with turquoises, and having on each side a triple setting with the same stones. Sir figure. Tuscan, \'^th centjiry. D. I '04 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 3o6 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS 2205. ANOTHER; similar; but set witli garnets. D. I in. 2206. Another ; similar to the last. D. I in. 2207. Another ; similar ; but set with rose-foiled pastes. D. -98 in. 2208. Gold ; the bezel similar to the last and set with garnets, but enamelled at the back in blue, white, and red : shoulders pierced and enamelled ; the hoop is also enamelled round the edges, and has a projecting ornament at the back. D. i'04 in. 2209. Gold ; the shoulders with foliate ornament once enamelled ; oval bezel set with a central turquoise surrounded by garnets, and ornamented on the under edges with flutings, once enamelled. D. I in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2210. Gold ; the shoulders pierced, and the hoop engraved with scrolls ; oval bezel set with a central foiled glass paste surrounded by garnets. D. '9 in. 2211. Another ; similar ; the hoop channelled round the back ; oval bezel with a paste over green foil surrounded by garnets. D. -92 in. 2212. Another ; a paste with topaz foil and garnets. D. '9 in. 2213. Another ; a similar paste and garnets. D. '92 in. 2214. Another ; similar paste and stones ; plain hoop. D. -88 in. 2215. Another ; a foiled green paste and garnets ; channelled hoop. D. -88 in. 2216. Another ; the same paste and stones. D. '92 in. 2217. Gold ; the hoop pierced with foliate scrolls ; circular bezel set with a central garnet, round which four emeralds alternate w-ith diamond sparks. D. "9 in. 2218. Gold ; the hoop engraved with flowers on the shoulders ; circular bezel set with faceted clear glass pastes. D. I in. PEASANT RINGS 307 2219. Gold ; the hoop a plain wire ; appHcd oval bezel with an emerald glass paste cut in cameo to represent two clasped hands and surrounded by garnets, beyond which is a border of loops. D. I in. The design of clasped hands on the bezel brings this numbir wiihin the category of fede- rings. (Cf. nos. 1002 ff.) 2220. Gold; slender hoop; large applied bezel in the form of a rosette; in the centre is a raised setting with a garnet, round it a circle of pearls, and then a circle of large pearls fixed on pins, each surrounded by a ring of small pearls. D. "92 in. Obtained in Rome. The manner of setting the pearls recalls that employed at an earlier date in districts influenced by Venetian art. Cf. rings from Chalcis in Euboea (nos. iSigff.). 2221. Gold ; the shoulders of the hoop with conventional scrolls ; large raised circular bezel, with a raised central setting containing a pearl ; round this two circles of pearls. D. f22 in. 2222. Gold ; oblong bezel raised in a similar manner to that of the last number ; it has a central setting with a pearl, flanked on each side by radiating triple settings, each with three pearls ; similar shoulders. D. 1-12 in. 2223. Gold ; the bezel a deep circular setting fluted beneath, containing a central carbuncle surrounded by turquoises. D. fi2 in. 2224. Gold : similar shoulders ; bezel a pyramidal setting fluted beneath, and with engrailed ornament round the sides, containing a red-foiled glass paste. D. I in. 2225. Bronze, once gilt; similar shoulders; high conical bezel, with ribs on the sides, simulating claws, and containing a faceted garnet. D. l"l in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2226. Gold ; the hoop a plain wire ; oval bezel set with an emerald paste surrounded by a ring of pearls, and by an outer ring of similar emerald pastes. D. -8 in. 2227. Gold ; oblong bezel with a setting containing a rosette of turquoises ; on each side enamelled scrolls. D. '92 in. 2228. Gold ; the hoop engraved with scrolls and pierced at the shoulders ; the bezel is a high oval setting with a large pearl between tuo projections, each consisting of three disks resembling settings. D. I "04 in. X 2 3o8 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 2229. Silver gilt : slender hoop expanding at the shoulders, each of which has four cavities as if to contain pastes or stones : high cylindrical bezel with vandyked edge, containing a purple and white bead, surrounded by smaller beads. D. I in. 2230. Silver gilt ; slender hoop expanding at the shoulders into pierced foliate designs ; circular bezel modelled as a flower, with a central setting containing a pearl. D. r2 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 2231. Silver gilt ; hoop engraved with scrolls and pierced at shoulders ; oval bezel set with a garnet. D. I in. 2232. Silver gilt : circular bezel containing the Virgin. St. Joseph, and the infant Jesus modelled in wax and coloured, under glass. D. -8 in. 2233. Gold ; modelled shoulders ; oval bezel with the Crucifixion between the \'irgin and St. John, embossed. D. '94 in. 2234. Gold ; shoulders modelled with scrolls ; high circular bezel, reeded beneath with a cupid's head embossed in high relief. I //A century. D. I in. 2235. Gold ; circular bezel cut to resemble a rosette set with stones, such as no. 2204. D. -86 in. Obtained in Pisa. 2236. Gold : the hoop has two cable bands on the outer side ; the bezel a heart surmounted by a flame (?) in relief; to right and left, three rosettes with central pellets. D. "92 in. Probably from Genoa. For the rosettes cf. nos. 2249, 2311. 2237. Gold; similar hoop ; broad hexagonal bezel entirely covered with rosettes similar to those of the previous number. D. '9 in. From Genoa. 2238. Silver; a hoop with two bands of ornament in open-work, consisting of branches with flowers formed of closely coiled wire scrolls. D. '8 in. From Genoa. 2239. Gold ; large marquise bezel embossed with an imperial head to right ; borders of bosses. D. 155 in. PF.ASANT RINGS 309 (b) From the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. 2240. Gold ; circular bezel simulating a flower, set with an emerald glass paste in the centre ; a surrounding circle of disks was probably once set with pearls. I). 'S in. From Corfu. 2241. Goi.D ; hoop with median ridge round the outside ; each shoulder has a hemispherical boss over a leaf-like ornament. Large pyramidal bezel set with an emerald, and with eight small settings projecting from its sides, these containing five rubies and three emeralds. D. VI ill. From Athens. 2242. Gold; flat hoop with engraved zigzag; trefoil bezel, on which are three hemispheres ornamented with circles of cable wire, and surmounted b>' a globe with similar circles and pellets on its upper surface. Levantine (?). D. I '20 in. 2243. Gold ; the shoulders forming trefoils ; square bezel, set with an amethyst and ornamented round the sides with a band of triangular leaves in relief; the base is engraved with foliations. Levantine <^). D. I in. 2244. Gold ; hoop channelled round the outer side : mitre-shaped bezel projecting vertically, set with garnets and emeralds. D. -84 in. Possibly from the Balkans. Cf. J. Szendrei, Catalogue . . . de la coll. de tagiies de M™' G. de Tarnoczy, p. 321, no. 96. 2245. Gold ; bezel of similar form, but with wavy outline and pierced ; it contains a cry.stal over a rose foil. Sec figure. D. "92 in. 2246. Silver ; bezel in form of clasped hands. French. D. -8 in. Said to be a Breton engagement ring. For the type cf. the fede-rings, nos. lco2 ff. 2247. Rase metal ; the hoop a plain wire ; the bezel with three settings, that in the middle heart-shaped and containing a blue glass paste, those on either side circular, and set with pastes of opaque white glass. French. D. 75 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 3IO CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 2248. Broxze ; slender hoop with a setting on each shoulder, one with a dark blue paste, the other empt}'. Circular bezel, with a bust in coloured wax flanked by the letters A R, under glass. D. -64 in. 2249. Silver gilt ; the hoop wreathed at the back, where there are two stamps, one with the number 12, and expanding to foliated shoulders, each with a high setting containing a garnet. Oblong bezel with a border of wire 'rosettes' with central pellets, and ha\ing in the middle a square setting with a heart under draper}- in gold on a red ground. Italian (?). D. I'l in. The ' rosettes ' recall those of nos. 2236-7 and also of no. 2492. which appears to be oriental. 2250. Silver gilt ; the hoop engraved, and having on each shoulder a bunch of grapes in relief, with a red glass paste in a circular setting ; the bezel has an almond-shaped setting with a similar paste. Hungarian (?). D. I in. 2251. Gold ; plain rounded hoop ; almond-shaped bezel, fluted beneath and ornamented with four settings containing a turquoise, a garnet, and two f)earls on pins. Hungarian. D. "9 in. 2252. Silver gilt ; the shoulders moulded in scrolls : bezel in the form of a flower with four pendent leaves, set with a pearl mounted on a pin. See figure. South German. D. 1-3 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) The type is one common in the sixteenth century; of. nos. I9i6ff. 2253. Silver gilt; broad hoop wreathed on the outer side, where it has at inter\als four circular settings with two red and two green glass pastes. South German. D. 1-04 in. 2254. Silver gilt ; the hoop wreathed at the back, where there is a silversmith's stamp ; on each shoulder an applied leaf and a setting with a red glass paste. The bezel is an oblong setting with a large paste of the same colour. South German. D. rc6 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christ>- Collection, 1865. PEASANT RINGS 31 I 2255. Sll.VKK t;iLT; llat hoop with raised edges, and on each shoulder raised ornament ; rectangular bezel, with a smaller rectangular setting in the middle containing a foiled paste. D. I '04 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 2256. SlI.VlOR C.II.T ; the hoop expands to a broad bezel set with a large garnet paste between four pearls ; on each shoulder is a setting with a pale blue bead, and below it a figure of Our Lord, as crucified, in low relief. At the back of the hoop arc two goldsmiths' stamps, one with the number 12, the other with a letter A (?). D. I in. 2257. SlL\ER ; hoop wreathed at the back, expanding to the shoulders, which are pierced, and have each a setting, one with a green the other with a red glass paste ; almond-shaped bezel containing a section of an animal's tooth. South German. D. I '04 in. Possibly the tooth may be a charm. Cf. nos. 912-14. 2257a. White :metal ; massive ; the hoop narrowest at the back, and ornamented on the outer side with two pearled bands ; on each shoulder is applied a large quatrefoil. High octagonal bezel with a deep cavity, in the bottom of which is seen part of an Austrian silver coin ; round the sides a pearled band. South Gcrma7i. D. I '26 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) Said to be a Bavarian peasant's 'pugilistic' ring, worn on the finger while fighting. In the interior of the hoop are tw-o stamps, one with the number 10. 2258. Silver ; the hoop wreathed ; large oval bezel, with a gilt figure of the Virgin and Child in mandorla, surrounded by a border of settings containing alternately red and green glass pastes. • Bohemian. D. ri6 in. (C) Scandinavian. 2259. Silver cilt ; at the back of the hoop clasped hands ; ^3a*L^^!^ the shoulders cut into palmette-like forms. The bezel has two high circular settings, one containing a veined onyx, the other a red stone ; each setting has two loops, one on each side, from which hang triangular pendants in the form of padlocks. Sec figure. D. VI in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 312 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS 2260. Silver ; the hoop wreathed at the back ; on the front are five contiguous loops, from which depend small models of a key and four padlocks. D. -94 in. 2261. Silver gilt ; the hoop with foliate ornament in relief, and pierced at the shoulders. Conical bezel, with six inverted leaves surmounted by a loop., from which hangs a letter A. D. 1-14 in. 2262. Silver gilt ; flat hoop with cable borders expanding to bezel, which is embossed with floral designs and has fixed to it nine loops, in each of which is a ring of ribbed wire. D. i-o6 in. A weddinsr-ring. 2263. Silver gilt ; flat hoop ex- panding to the bezel, which has five loops with ten rings in pairs ; the surface beneath these is em- bossed with two doves and a heart pierced with arrows ; on each shoulder a winged cherub. See figure. D. 1*05 in. (Braybrooke Coll. ' A wedding-ring. 2264. Silver ; thin flat hoop : long oval bezel at right angles, with eleven pendent rings, the surface between which is filled with bosses. D. i-i6 in. 2265. Silver gilt ; channelled hoop : on the front three loops with pendent rings. D. i'05 in. 2266. Silver gilt ; the hoop has a median ridge at the back, and has applied foliations over pierced shoulders. The bezel has four high settings forming a quatrefoil, only one containing a stone (a garneti; from each setting hangs a tab containing a garnet in a claw setting. On one side is an additional fixed setting with a garnet. JVorurgia/i. D. V2 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) PEASANT RINT.S 313 2267. White MKTAL; flat hoop with plaited design in low relief with three large applied rosettes, one at the back, one on each shoulder; drum-shaped bezel with border of projecting pellets, and ornamented with a cross of pellets between four conical projections, all surmounted by pellets ; from four points round the sides hang four disks. D. r44 in. 2267a. Another ; of similar type, but without the pendants. D. r45 in. 2268. Silver gii.t ; channelled hoop expanding to the bezel, where there arc seven loops, from six of which hang cup-shaped pendants, one having been lost. In the interior four goldsmiths' stamps, one with the letters l-B. D. '9 in. 2269. Silver gilt ; the hoop parti}- in form of a serpent, but in place of narrowing to the tail it rapidly expands, and is ornamented with two circular settings, each with a hemispherical red glass paste. Sivcdis/t. D. -98 in. 2270. Silver gilt ; channelled hoop simulating a spiral ; it broadens at the bezel, where it has raised ornament above and below, representing the two ends. D. "96 in. 2271. Silver ; flat hoop with pounced outer surface and raised rims ; it expands to the bezel, where are in relief two doves beak to beak upon wreaths ; to right and left are clasped hands holding hearts. See figure. D. I'l in. (Braybrooke Coll.) 314 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RIXGS M. ORIENTAL I. Western Asia, North Africa, and India. (a) Inscribed. '22'i'2. Bronze : hoop broadening to the shoulders ; circular bezel with indented border, set with a black ox\\ni. engraved with a Kufic inscription probably signifying Ahmad ! may zi-elfare be accomplished for hivi. The stone about the loth century. D. "94 in. The inscription may have been engraved in Baghdad or Persia. The hoop is post- mediaevaL 2273. Silver ; fragment of a ring, including the bezel and shoulders. The bezel is o\'al, engraved with reversed legend in Kufic: Jaslrit 'llahii 'l-malik {God strengthen the King '.). About tlie nth century. D. -84 in. The region in which this ring was made is perhaps the same as that of the preceding number, but it may be even farther to the East. 2274- Gold : the hoop dividing at each shoulder, where it has applied ornament of conventional foliate design ; at the back it has pearled edges, and is engraved on the outer side with an inscription in Kufic : Al-tnalek ibn Nasrn 'llah (The King, son ofXasru 'llah) ; long oval bezel, the sides engraved with a vandyked band and orna- mented with pellets; it contains a cabochon amethyst, with a Kufic inscription in two lines, the upper reading: Al Sultan al malik. See figure. Persian, loth-uth century. D. i"o6 in. Weight, 166 grains. 2275. Bronze ; the hoop narrow at the back and swelling to the shoulders : pro- jecting rectangular bezel engraved with a Kufic legend in t\vo lines : Maiilana (our lord), and other words. Persian, \\th-\zth century. D. -9 in. ORIENTAL 315 2276. SlL\'KR ; a ridjje round outside of the hoop ; angular shoulders, and high projecting bezel engraved on the top and on the two broader sides with Kufic legends. Those on the top and on one side are only in part decipherable ; that on the second side reads : He gives consolation (?). PiaU XXIX. Egyptian, \\tli-\lth century. D. i'2 in. 2277. Silver; hoop similar to that of the preceding number; angular shoulders, each with a double projection ; high bezel in the form of an inverted pyramid, engraved with a reversed Kufic inscription : Ahmati//////. Plate XXIX. Egyptian, iith-iit/i century. D. I '2 in. Obtained in Alexandria. 2278. Gold ; hollow hoop expanding to a rectangular bezel which contains a table-cut garnet engraved in intaglio, in Kufic characters, with the name: Dair. Egyptian, \ith-\'>,th century. D. '82 in. Weight, 35 grains, igoi. 2279. Bronze ; the hoop has at the back a lozenge in relief and on each shoulder an almond-shaped figure ; circular bezel engraved in Naskhi with a name, either Altdf ox Al vinlla ; the ground engraved with conventional ornament. Persian, mediaeval. D. '96 in. Obtained at Tartus. 2280. Silver ; similar hoop ; circular bezel with reversed Kufic inscription in four lines ; the top and bottom lines are illegible, the two in the middle seem to read: 'Ulnar al Malik {'Umar the Kitig); A I viuhlm la///////////\ border of scrolls. Plate XXIX. Persian, mediaeval. D. I in. Obtained in Cairo. 2281. Silver ; at the back of the hoop a pointed-oval floral ornament in relief, and on each shoulder a heart-shaped figure engraved with scrolls, above which is a transverse band of engraved diagonal lines. Oval bezel, with a reversed legend in .Arabic dividing the field into two halves : Rahmatu 'llah lahu (Gods mercy on Jiim). On either side scrolls filled with niello. Plate XXIX. Egyptian, mediaeval. D. -9 in. 2282. Silver ; hoop with raised lozenge at back and almond-shaped ornament on each shoulder ; pointed-oval bezel with four pellets at the ends and in the middle on each side, engraved with legend in Arabic : Ild/iu Ilaliu Ildhu (Allah Allali Allah). Plate XXIX. Egyptian, mediaeval. D. "9 in. 3i6 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS 2283. Silver ; the hoop has a square pro- jection at the back, and is engraved on the outer side with a band of lozenges containing quatrefoils ; the shoulders are in the form of monsters. High almond- shaped bezel, the sides chased with floral ornament ; it has acentral almond-shaped panel within a border, both with decora- tive Arabic inscriptions in relief. Sct figures. Central Asian (?), me- diae z'aL D. i'3 in. 1866. Perhaps from Bokhara. 2284. Silver; at the back of the hoop a lozenge in low relief; the shoulders chased with arabesques ; pointed-oval bezel with chased inscription in two lines in Nasklii, divided by a band of ornament ; two of the words read a/ niakhluk al kaxva id {the people, the laws). Plate XXIX. Central Asian, mediaeval. D. I'Oj in. Perhaps from Bokhara. 2285. Another, of similar type ; the bezel chased with a legend in Naskhi sym- metrically disposed in compartments. Plate XXIX Central Asian, mediaeval. D. I "04 in. Perhaps from Bokhara. 2286. Silver ; projection at back of hoop ; shoulders chased with palmette design and scrolls ; pointed-oval bezel with oblong panel bearing chased inscrip- tion in Arabic, possibly Kata Beg, a Turkish name. Plate XXIX. Central Asian, mediaeval. D. 96 in. 2287. Silver ; shoulders chased with a palmette-like design ; pointed-oval bezel chased with an inscription in Xaskhi : Allahn amal-i (God is my hope). Persian, mediaeval. D. 7 in. 2288. Silver ; an oval in relief at the back of the hoop ; on each shoulder an almond-shaped panel with chased ornament. Circular bezel, chased with Solomon's seal, in the centre of which is a word in Naskhi characters : Gfiiirnji^). Plate XXIX. Egyptian, mediaeval. D. -96 in. ORIENTAL 317 2289. GoM) ; at the back of the hoop a lozenge-shaped panel engraved with arabesques; flat angular shoulders, also engraved ; rectangular box bezel with four claws, holding a flat gold plate. The plate and the sides of the bezel are engraved with an inscription in fine Xaskhi characters. Plate XXIX. Egyptian, mediaeval. D. '83 in. Weight, 96 grains. 2290. Gold ; pointed-oval bezel engraved with an inscription in Xaskhi. reversed : ya hn baniiaq al abitd al-inarsila (?). Egyptian, mediaeval. D. '82 in Weight, 65 grains. Barinaq is probably a proper name, but the sense of the words following it is obscure. 2291. Goi.i) ; diminuti\e ring with pointed-oval bezel engraved in Naskhi : Amalullah {God's hope). Egyptian, mediaeval. D. '63 in. Weight, 21 grains. 2292. SiL\ER ; the hoop has on the outer side three lozenges in relief with trefoils in the interspaces, and on each shoulder a raised shield with an inverted pal- melte ; hexagonal bezel, with four pellets and two projections simulating claws, engraved in Naskhi with the name : al-mamalih (or al-mamdlij). Plate XXIX. Egyptian (?), mediaeval. 13. '96 in. 2293. CORNELIAN ; cut from the solid ; hoop narrow at the back, where it has a projection ; pointed-oval bezel, engraved with reversed legend in Nashki : Miiliannnad wa '.-Hi khainil basilar {Mohammed and AH arc the best of mankind). Persian, mediaeval. D. ro6 in. 2294. Ch.ALCEDONV ; cut from the solid ; the hoop triangular in section, but depressed and flattened at the shoulders. Rectangular bezel with reversed inscription in Kufic : a name with other words. Persian, mediaeval. D. ri in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) The hoop is broken. 2295. Silver; hoop of triangular section with lozenge in relief at the back, and on each shoulder a shield-shaped panel chased with conventional ornament. Circular bezel with Arabic inscription in two lines. Egyptian, mediaeval. D. -84 in. The rim of the bezel damaged. 31 8 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS 2296. Silver : hoop similar to the last ; octagonal bezel with an inscription in Arabic, within a circular floriated border. Plate XXIX. Mediaeval. D. "S2 in. Obtained in Constantinople. The style of the hoop closely resembles that of preceding examples assigned to Egypt, but the character of the inscription, which is verj' difficult to decipher, suggests that it may have been engraved in Central Asia. 2297. Silver ; hoop similar to the last, but plainer ; octagonal bezel with an illegible inscription in Arabic within an octagon enclosed in a floriated circle. Plate XXIX. Mediaeval. D. '94 in. Obtained in Be\Tut. See note to preceding nimiber. 2298. SlL\'ER ; similar hoop, with shield-shaped panels on the shoulders, engraved each with the Confession of Faith yLa ilahu ilia allahi\ ; octagonal bezel engraved with a magic square containing the Arabic numerals arranged as below ; 1 9 ' 8 1 asl I ' 8 iS I 9 1 9 8 1 18 li«l I 9 ,s The spandrels are also engraved with figures: at the top 811911^ 18181; at the bottom, iia 117 112 117; on the left side, 1x6 112 112 116; on the right, another line of figures, with the number 18 twice written across, as above. Plate XXIX. Mediaeval. D. -92 in. Perhaps from Central Asia. 2299. Part of a ring ; iron overlaid with gold ; most of the hoop missing. The oval bezel is divided into four wedge-shaped compartments, counter- changed, two overlaid with gold, two uncovered and chased, though now very much worn. Those covered with gold show two concentric bands inscribed in Arabic, while the edges have also been inscribed. The shoulders have fine interlacing arabesques in gold. Persian, mediaeval. D. -86 in. The inscription presents great difficulty. ORIENTAL 319 2300. Silver; at the back of the hoop a pointed oval in relief; flat shield-like shoulders ; square bezel engraved with the Arabic word Al-malik (the king) in large letters : beneath, in fine and small letters, an inscription of numerous figures. 784, 12, 17S.51, 781, 71. On the right side, reading downwards, are the numbers 3, 4, 6, 3, a, 4, &c. ; on one shoulder are engraved other figures, 585, 384. &c.; on the other, 781, 678, 483. Plate XXIX. Mcsopotaviiau (?), \6tli century. D. -84 in. 2301. Greek j.-vspkr ; cut from the solid ; the hoop of triangular section, flattened and incurved at the shoulders, each of which is pierced with a single hole. Rectangular bezel engraved with a reversed Persian inscription : MiiJiaiiimad bin Jahan shah ; on the sides, further inscriptions. Persian, late i6th eentury. D. I in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2302. Silver ; leaf-shaped bezel, revolving on a swivel, and inscribed on both sides in modern Naskhi characters. On one side is a charm for the multiplication of posterity, of corn, of mankind, and for the averting of misfortune. On the other are numerous ciphers, the words my father and breaking of the fast, and, in the middle, the figures 1590. Egyptian, \bth-\~th century. D. -86 in. The number 1590 may possibly indicate a date, but the use of the Christian reckoning would be remarkable. 2303. Silver ; a similar ring to the last ; the bezel on a swivel, but lozenge-shaped, with a trefoil at each end. It is engraved on each side with Arabic inscriptions, probably of a talismanic character. Egyptian, i6th-\']th century. D. -84 in. 2304. Another; similar. On one side of the bezel an Arabic (talismanic) inscription in five lines ; on the other, numbers thus arranged : See figure. D. '94 in. 320 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 2305. Another ; the revolving bezel, in the form of a pear-shaped fruit (?), has on one side ciphers in compartments ; on the other, a kind of raised setting, and characters. Egyptian, i6i/i-i'jth century. D. -SS in. 2306. Another ; similar, but with the bezel fixed and engraved on the front with figures in compartments. Egyptian, i6th-i'jth century. D. 76 in. 2307. Silver ; slender hoop, and high pyramidal bezel pierced beneath and round the sides. It is set with a garnet, engraved with a Persian inscription in three lines : 'Atczcadh ba-jalala 'lldhi 'Aunoadh ba-janiba 'llahi 'Aii'ivadk ba-rastda 'lldhi {My refuge is in God's glory, my refuge is by Gods side, my refuge is in Gods prophet). Persian, j'jth century. D. 96 in. 2308. Silver ; angular hoop ; projecting pj-ramidal bezel set with a carnelian engraved with an unreversed inscription: AllaJi ta 'ald{?) {Be God exalted). Persian, 17/// century. D. I -22 in. 2309. Silver ; quatrefoil projection at back of the hoop, which is engraved with conventional designs ; large oval bezel with pearled border set with a cabochon carnelian engraved in the middle, in an oval medallion, in Arabic, unreversed : Yaghauth a 'adhatn {O greatest succour); round this: Xasru min Alldhl wa fathu qaribu maddu {Help is in God and succour is uig/i). North African (?), 17//; century. D. 1-25 in. The title ' greatest of helpers " is given to the Saint 'Abdu '1-Kadir Gilanl. 2310. Silver ; the hoop a plain wire, broken at the back ; oval bezel set with a clear glass paste, under which is a silver plate engraved with a minute Arabic inscription divided into four compartments by a saltire. Egyptian, 18/// century. D. -86 in. 2311. Gold ; the hoop has on the outside a pearled band between cable borders. and on each shoulder two filigree rosettes ; the bezel is a larger rosette in the OKIF.NTAI. 321 same style, projecting above tlie others. In the inteiior is engraved an Arabic inscription, of whicli the first part reads : Allah liifadli aiii/an ((totfs protection first of all). North African (?), i^t/i-\i.)t/i century. U. -98 in. Weight, 70 grains. (Soden Smitli Coll.) For the rosettes cf. nos. 2236, 2249. 2312. .Sll.vi'.R ; plain hoop: circular box-bezel opening with a hinge and showing within pierced conventional designs in silver. The outside of the lid is formed by a half-rupee of Shah 'Alam, probably struck at Farrukhabiid under the East India Company. The legend, in Persian, is Sikka zad bar haft kishn'ar saya i fazl-i Allah. Hami-i-dzn i Muhamviad Shah 'Alain Padshah {the Emperor Shah Alam, Protector of the faith of Muhammad, Shadow of the Grace of God, struck this coin in the seven ixgions). Persian, 1 8//; century. D. ri6 in. (Hraybrooke Coll.) The box in the bezel is probably for perfume. 2313. Silver; the shoulders engraved; raised oval bezel containing a green jasper engraved : Mazhar jV/'/r Ilahl flaji Ahmad 62 1790 ( - A. n. ^~7^). Persian, i Hth century. D "92 in. Castellani Coll. I1S72. 2314. Silver ; a small projection at the back of the hoop, which is chased with floral scrolls; oval bezel rudely engraved with characters, apparently Arabic. D. •82 in. (Braybrooke Coll.) The date is comparatively modern. 2315. Bronze ; oval bezel of a signet-ring, with part of the hoop. The bezel is engraved in intaglio with a man standing to right, wearing a sword, and holding up a wreath in his right hand. On either side, a Kharosthi inscription written vertically: Of \^Spei\lavera of Kabura (or Kupha), son of Saniga. Indo-Scythic, \st yd century A.I). D. -92 in. E. J. Rapson, 'Notes on Indian Coins and Seals ^ Joitin. Royal Asiatic Society, 1905. pp. S07-S. Kabura or Kapha may mean Cabiil, and indicate tho residence of the owner. 2316. Bronze ; hoop narrow at the back and expanding to the shoulders ; oval bezel, much worn, engraved in intaglio with two confronted birds, above and below which are Kharosthi inscriptions partly obliterated. Indo-Scythic, \st-yd century A. n. D. '9 in. (Cunningham Coll.) 2317. Bronze ; hoop rounded on the outer side ; long pointed-oval bezel engraved in Brahmi characters (reversed) Godhanat/f/isya (}), probably a [iroper name. Early mediaeval . D. ri4 in. (Cunninuham Coll.) 322 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2318. ChalcedoNV ; fragment of a ring cut from the solid, including the oblong bezel and the shouldera The bezel is engraved in reversed Nagarl characters : Srl-ab/iiinkar {The bUsscd Abhaukar = Saviour). Mtdiaifdl. D. 96 in. 2319. GciLD ; the hoop with protuberances at the back and on the shoulders ; high projecting bezel simulating an expanded flower, the centre engraved witli a Nagarl inscription in three lines : Si-i Rama {Blessed Rama) repeated three times. Xorth Indian, about 16th century. U. 1*22 in. Weight, 305 grains. 2320. Gold ; protuberant shoulders ; projecting conical bezel engraved on the under sides with conventional ornament, and on the flat surface with an inscription in Xagarl characters in four lines: Sri Ramasya ////// Rainasya ////// Rama {Of blessed Rama . . . of Rama, Rama). Indian, about 16th century. D. "94 in. Weight, 134 grains. 2321. Gold ; the exterior of the hoop has an applied quatrefoil at the back, and is ornamented with two bands of cable design ; the bezel is in the form of a figure-of-eight knot, enriched with pellets, and bearing in the middle a raised leaf-shaped panel with Nagarl characters in relief: Sri Rama {?). Indian, j6t/i-jytk century. D. '98 in. Weight, 155 grains. (Soden Smith Coll.) Cf. no. 2381. 2322. Gold ; the hoop with two panels in low relief at the back, and engraved on the shoulders ; projecting square bezel, engraved with Nagarl letters and figures : Sri //// 4 9 Indian, x'th-x^tth century {?). D. '9 in. Weight, 135 grains. 2323. Silver ; projections at the back and on the shoulders of the hoop ; large concave oval bezel, with a Tamil inscription in three lines within an ornamental border. South Imiian, 1 8/A century. D. v\ in. 2324. Gold ; richly enamelled ; the shoulders are pierced and ornamented with sex foils in blue, white, and green ; the rest of the hoop is decorated with translucent red, green, white, and pale blue. Octagonal bezel, set with a ruby ORIKNTAL 323 engraved with a Ixntlur of .s[)rigs, within which is liic iiiscriptiun in iiKJtlern Persian : Vd in'ir {O /ii^/it .'). Tiie back of the bezel is enamelled in translucent red and other colours. I lido- Persian, i^tk coitury. I). '86 in. Weight, 83 grains. The gem is Persian, l)iit the lin^ itself may be of Indian origin and tnanu-lled at Jaipur. 2325. Gold; the hoop of triangular section at the back, and ornamented on the outer faces with bands of zigzag in relief ; pierced shoulders, with applied pellets and other ornament. The bezel is a setting ornamented round the sides with cable bands and pellets in groups of three ; it contains a bloodstone engraved in Perso-Arabic characters: fdiu (literally, / am )ii(>r/a/), with a date which seems intended for A. D. 1872. Nor ill Indian, ii.)t/i century. D. -8 in. Weight, 62 grains. The inscription may be intended for the European name Fanny. Cf. nos. 2327 ff. 2326. GOM) ; the hoop ornamented on the .shoulders and sides of the bezel with arabesques on a ground of black enamel. The bezel is octagonal, having at each end of it a small setting with a garnet. It contains a clear-set carnelian, inlaid in gold and silver with sprigs and stars, and with an inscription in Arabic char- acters : TJianks to God the greatest. Nor til Indian, i^t/i~iqth century. D. '92 in. Weight, 107 grains. 2327. Silver; the hoop has at the back an uiicngravcd panel, to right and left of which it is pierced ; the shoulders are flat and engraved. Large oval bezel in the forin of a setting, reeded at the back, and cut with a band of ornament which resembles engrailing round the sides ; it contains a carnelian, engraved in reversed Persian characters : Baron (?) Nicholson. North Indian, i ^tli century. D. i-i8 in. Cf. nos. 232S-9. Europeans in India and Persia have often used signets of this kind bearing their own names in Arabic characters. 2328. Silver .sicnet ; raised rectangular bezel, engraved with an inscription in two lines in reversed Nagari characters : Jenias Shtivinsan {James Stevenson). North Indian, it)th century. D. '94 in. 2329. Silver ; hoop with protuberances at the back and on the shoulders ; large oval bezel engraved at the back with a quatrefoil, and on the surface with the name Henry Dmvnes (Donas) 1. /'. 1816, in Arabic characters. North Indian, 1 y/Zr century. D. ri6 in. Cf. the two preceding numbers. \ 2 324 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2330. Gold ; the hoop pierced at the shoulders ; bezel an octajjonal setting, reeded beneath, and containing a garnet engraved in reversed Roman characters with the name Raffacl Picciotto, with sprigs in a Persian style. Pcj-sidii, iH//t-igi// ccutiiry. D. '8 in. Weight, 90 grains. The ring suggests imitation of a type popular in Europe in the eighteenth century : but the execution is Oriental, as is the engraving of the gem. 2331. Bronze ; hoop of triangular section ; hexagonal bezel engraved with a reversed inscription in two lines in a character allied to the Tibetan. 18///-19/// century. D. 1 in. (Cunningham Coll.) 2332. Silver ; octagonal hoop set with a carnelian engra\ed in intaglio with a mounted saint (St. George ?) armed with a lance : he rides to left and transfixes a dragon on the ground before him. In the field are sprigs and a small cross ; in the exergue, the name Krikor (Gregory), in Armenian characters. Armcuiau, \~th~\^ih caiiiiry (?). D. '9 in. The name may be that of the owner of the ring. {b) Uniiiscribed. 2333- Silver signet ; hoop rounded on the outer side ; only bezel and shoulders are original. Oval bezel engraved in intaglio with a horseman riding to right towards a draped figure standing before a (phallic ?) column and holding a staff in the left hand. The horseman extends his left arm, and the other figure raises the right as if in conversation. Sec figure. North-ivcst Frontier of India, about yd ccntnry A. D. D. -86 in. The ring is of a late Greek type, and the inspiration is classical, but the figures are Asiatics. The ring may have been made in a region like Gandhara, where Greek influence survived to a late period under Indo-Scythic princes. 2334. Silver ; the shoulders of the hoop ornamented with a number of small cavities and engraved with arabesques ; a group of similar cavities at the back : pointed-oval bezel chased with a lion passant. Plate XXIX. \ith-iith century. D. '8 in. Probably from Mesopotamia or Persia. ORIENTAL 325 2335- (jOI.D ; at the bad': of the huop and on the sides and shoulders, panels of arabesque ornament in lehef, mostly much worn. The bezel is a high oval setting, with double claws rising from the arabesques on the shoulders and from others on the sides. It now contains a pale star sajiphire. .S"((' figure. Mcsopotaiiiiaii (?|, \illt iT^tli cciitiiry. IJ. r3in. Weight, 319 grains. Obtained from Kawal Pindi, where it was stated to have been found in the rcf^ion of the Oxus. The stone was added in England. 2336. (li ii.i) ; at the back of the hoop a raised rosette ; on the sides and shoulders arabesques in relief; pyramidal bezel, with arabesques on the sides, and with four claws which hold a Hat blue glass paste. I2t/i-i^th century. D. "8 in. Weight, 61 grains. 2337- .AiNOlMEK ; similar, but with conical bezel set with a carbuncle engraved in intaglio with a male head to right. \'lth i},t/i century. D. 92 ill. Weight, 79 grains. The gem shows anticjue influence and was probably cut \\\ the early centuries (jf the Christian era. 3338. SiLVF.R ; the hoop chased at the back, where it forins a point, and engraved on the shoulders ; projecting square bezel chased with a diaper of cjuatrefoils within a cable border. Persian or North Iiuilan, \.^th~v(^tli century. 1). fo5 in. 2339- BUON/.I'. ; at the back of the hoop a pointed oval in relief ; the shoulders scutiform and engraved. Square bezel engraved with a diaper. Persian (?) . i ^^tli - \ (it/i century. IJ. '94 in. 2340. Sll.viCR ; tile hoop of similar type; octagonal bezel engraved with a similar diaper. Plate XX I X . / 'ersian (?), 1 ^,t/i~ 1 6tk century. D. 106 in. 2341. Sii.\i;R ; the shoulders depressed near the bezel, which is hexagonal, and engraved with a scroll lietwcen other devices. 16th century. D. -86 in. Obtained in Smyrna. 326 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2342. Agati: ; cut from the solid ; at the back of the hoop is a projection ; scuti- form shoulders ; octagonal bezel unengraved. 15///-16/// century. D. I'l in. Hamilton Coll. 1S56. 2343. Carneli.\N ; a similar form, also unengraved. D. -96 in. Hamilton Coll. 1S56. 2344. Ch.\LCEDON\' ; cut from the solid ; hoop with projections at the back and on the shoulders ; projecting oblong bezel unengraved. Persian, i6t/i century i^). D. vii) in. 2345. Bronze ; projection at back of hoop ; projecting circular bezel with fluted sides ornamented with a central boss surrounded by a ring of engraved circles. Mediaeval. D. 1-37 in. 2346. Silver gilt ; at the back of the hoop a lozenge-shaped projection, much worn ; the shoulders chased and supporting a high hemispherical bezel having on the surface two concentric circles of bosses, enclosing an oval setting with a carbuncle. Mediaeval. D. i'24 in. 2347. Bronze, with similar bezel containing a turquoise blue paste. D. I "1 4 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2348. Bronze ; similar type, but without any gem. D. i-i in. 2349. Base metal ; the hoop a thick wire, on which revolves a hemispherical bezel having in the middle of each side a triangular shield engraved with the same designs, viz. objects of various forms, one resembling a dagger. The space round the shield on the flat surface is deeply engraved with conventional floral ornament ; on the round surface, with similar ornament and whorls in circles. Plate XXIX. Mediaeval. D. I in. 2350. Bronze ; the hoop with a projection at the back and triangular in transverse section ; pointed-oval bezel engraved with symmetrical ornament. Mediaeval. D. I in. Obtained in Constantinople. ORIKNTAI, 327 2351. Anotiikk; similar, i)ut the bc/ci eiij^raved wilii inaiks simiilaling an in,scrii)tif>n. I). I ill. Obtained in Smyrna. 2352. Anotiikk ; of the same tjpc, with similar dcsi^Mis. I). I"I2 in. 2353' Sll.Vl'.R ; the hoo|) rounded on the outer side and engraved on tlic shoulders and sides of the bezel with scrolls in compartments; octagonal bezel set with a sard engraved in intaglio with a shrimii. Mediaeval. D. I'I2 in. Obtained in .\llicns. The gem is antic|ue. 2354. Bronze ; the hoop has at the back a projection in low relief, and the shoulders are engraved with geometrical ornament. The bezel, which is of an irregular rounded form, is engraved witli a small heart-shaped figure surrounded by scrolls. Mediaeval. D. '96 in. Obtained in .Smyrna. 2355. Goi.n ; projecting cylindrical bezel expanding to the edges, having a raised rosette in tlie centre, from which radiate compartments chased with palmctte- like flowers, the ground alternately filled with a black composition ; the sides are also engraved with foliate ornament. On each shoulder of the hoop is a lozenge-shaped panel in relief with chased ornament. Plate XX rX. Mediaeval. D.'96 in. Weight, cS6 grains. 2356. Bronze ; projection at back of hoop ; circular bezel engraved with a rect- angle enclosing a lozenge, the interspaces filled with scrolls. Mediaeval. D. 78 in. The hoop is broken. 2357- Bronze ; applied circular bezel chased with a bird upon a branch ; in tiic field two whorls and a cross. Mediaeval. D. '94 in. 2358. Silver ; large octagonal bezel on whicii is a plate of iron set in bronze, and inlaid with six bronze rosettes, between whicir arc circular cavities. Mediaeval. D. ri in. Obtained in Constantinople. 328 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2359- Silver ; hoop of triangular section, the outer faces crossed at intervals by three lozenge-shaped projections ; the whole surface, as also tlie shoulders, engraved for niello, of which traces remain. Pointed-oval bezel inlaid \\ith gold engraved with conventional ornament : the border also engraved. Media£val. D. /S in. 2360. Silver ; the shoulders engraved with geometrical ornament ; projecting circular bezel engraved with a quatrefoil and segments within a circle. D. I '02 in. The ring is of comparatively modem date. 2361. Silver ; broad hoop with applied filigree scrolls on the outer side ; and, rising from the front, a triangular projection similarly ornamented. At intervals on the hoop are three settings, two with turquoises, one empty; on tlie front are two quatrefoil settings, one empt}', the other still containing a turquoise, a ruby, and a pale bead. 5ri- figure. Persian, \%th century {^). D. I -04 in. ( Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2362. Carxelian ; cut from the solid ; the hoop has a projection at the back and notches on the shoulders ; high projecting bezel terminating in a point representing a cut stone. Persian^ \%th ceniuryi^'). D. 1-6 in. 2363. Silver: the shoulders chased with transverse bands of zigzag: applied almond-shaped bezel engraved with a crescent, star, and interlacing scroll. Turkish. D. I -04 in. 2364. Silver ; the bezel is a high setting with a cable border round the sides and containing a faceted garnet. D. fi4 in. From Sana, Yemen. 2365. Silver: the hoop has on tlie outer side a median pearled band and on cither side double borders of cable wire : on the bifurcating shoulders are coils of similar wire w ith pellets at their centres, and applied disks, lozenges, and rosettes : oval bezel with pearled and cable borders set with a cabochon carnelian. Arab, -\%1li century (1:). D. 12 in. Bought at Suez, as having been obtained at Mecca by Mr. lafierwards Sin Caspar Purdon Clarke. ORIENTAL 329 2366. Anutiikr; himihu ; the bezel set with a faceted crystal. Arab, i^ih century {}). D. 104 in. (liven by the Trustce.s of the Christy Collection, 1S65. 2367. ANOTHER: square bezel divided into four quarters each punched with five small circles ; at top and bottom it has two loops through each of which passes a loose ring of twisted wire. Arab, 1 8/// century (?). D. 1-02 in. 2368. Sll.VKR cii.T: the hoop has a pearled median band on either side of which is applied wire ; on each shoulder is a trefoil of coiled wire rising from a stem ending in a rosette of pellets. Oval bezel with applied wire round the sides, set with a hemispherical onyx. Arab{}). D. 1-2 in. Castellani Coll. 1872. 2369. Silver ; a plain wire flattened and overlapping at the ends, one of which is stamped OL. D. '92 in. Said to be a Mecca pilgrim's riny. 2370. Gold : the shoulders flat and pierced : hexagonal bezel ^^ with simulated claws at the corners and engraved witji %l^l^'^ .scrolls: in the middle a sunk lozenge-shaped panel with a i'f^?£'*'» boss in the centre. At the back of the bezel is engraved (^^ a quatrefoil. See figure. Egyptian, mediaeval. D. 78 in. Weight, lOI grains. Probably of the Mameluk period. 2371. Silver : the hoop has at intervals on the outer side three lozenges in relief, between which it is chased with scrolls ; the shoulders represent half-figures of men wearing helmets with nasals, and supporting with their raised arms a hexagonal bezel, with pierced quatrefoil panel in an engraved border. Plate XXIX. Egyptian, mediaeval. D. "9 in. Of about the same date as no. 2370. 2372. Silver ; the hoop has a band of pellets within cable borders : the applied bezel is in the form of a fruit. Egyptian, \tth-\']tlt century. D. -8 in. Cf. nos. 2305-6 above. 2373. Another : similar, with simpler hoop. D. -Se in. 33° CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 2374. Another : the hoop a plain wire. D. -S in. 2375. Silver ; the bezel is a setting containing a convex glass paste with a similar fruit to that of the three preceding numbers in white, between three groups of quatrefoils. Egyptian, i6th-\'jtk century. D. I in. 2376 Gold ; applied circular bezel engraved with a rosette in a circle. Egyptian. D. '6 in. Weight, 45 grains. Obtained in Cairo. 2377. Bronze ; applied square bezel with border of pellets in groups of three and set with a piece of amber. Early mediaeval. D. -9 in. CAvtn by Capt. W. B. Walker, 1910. Washed out of the mound in Ouetta arsenal, Baluchistan. 2378. Lead; the hoop of triangular section; projecting lozenge-shaped bezel with central boss. Early mediaeval. D -62 in. Given by Capt. W. B. Walker, 1910. From the same place as the last number. 2379. Silver ; once gilt ; rounded hoop ; the shoulders engraved with nielloed sprays ; circular bezel fluted round the edges : in the centre is a nielloed cross within a border with ornament resembling an Arabic inscription. North Indian, mediaeval. D. -9 in. Obtained at Rawal Pindi. 2380. Gold ; each shoulder had once a cup-shaped setting (?), of which only one remains in an imperfect condition. Oval bezel with pearled border containing a cabochon sard engraved in intaglio with a boar. North Indian. D. 78 in. Weight, 47 grains. The gem is ancient, perhaps produced on the borders of India under Greek influence soon after the beginning of the Christian era. 2381. Gold; massive ring, the exterior of the hoop ornamented with four cable bands ; the bezel is in the form of a figure-of-eight knot covered with larc:e pellets, and having in the middle a 'J^^^^^^^OkfJ leaf-shaped panel on which are two figures of Hindu iJ^'^'^'^^y^ deities (?) in relief l^xfeiS*!^ 5^. I in. Weight, 84 grains. ORIENTAL 333 iiiilrcfoil bezel 2398. GoiJ) ; the exterior of llic hoop is set witii rubies ; ippliec set with the same gems. North Indian, i?it/i century. D. '95 in. Weight, 72 grains. 2399- Goi.l) ; the exterior of the hoop, whicii is of Mpiarc section, .set with t^arnets and emeralds, half with stones of one colour, and half with gems of another, but several emeralds are missing. The interior enamelled witli flowers in translucent red and green on a ground of while ; the remaining faces were also enamelled. North Indian, \ 8/// century. D. '96 in. Weight, 63 grains. Perhaps from Jaipur. 2400. Goi.l) ; the hoop pierced at the back, where il once had two settings con- taining gems, and chased on the exterior with formal designs ; cruciform bezel with a central setting containing a sapphire, the limbs cf the cross set with numerous rubies of different size. The sides of the bezel are richly chased with scrolls, while the interior of the hoop beneath the bezel is chased with two panels amid foliations. Plate XXX. North Indian, 1 8//; century. D. ri6 in. Weight, 3-27 grains. 2401. Gold ; the hoop ornamented with (Uialrcfoil set- tings each containing a sapphire and four rubies, con- nected by pairs of cruciform settings containing rubies. The bezel contains a sapphire and has rubies round the sides: below these, settings which resemble petals witii rubies and sapphires. Sec figure. North Indian, \'6th century. I). 16 in. Weight, 252 grains. Castellan! Coll. 1872. 2402. G()l,D ; the hoop once enamelled with conventional designs, traces of while enamel remaining ; bifurcating shoulders enamelled in translucent red, blue, and white, with applied drop-shaped sellings containing moonstones ; octagonal bezel containing a faceted almandinc garnet ; it is rounded beneath, where it is enainelled in translucent red, green, and white. North Indian, 1 '^th century. D. -96 in. Weight, 60 grains. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) The ring is Western in type and in the style of the ornament on the hoop. It was probably made after a European model at Jaipur. 2403. Silver ; slender hoop, broken on one side ; oval bezel set with a carbuncle. Indian. I). 78 ir. (Biaybrooke Coll.) 334 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2404. Silver ; the shoulders engraved ; oval bezel containing a miniature bust of a lady on a blue ground, under glass. North Indian, 1 7/// century. D. "9 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) 2405 Gold puzzle-ring of four hoops, expanding and interlacing at the bezel, where there are four settings ; one has lost its stone, the others contain two turquoises and a ruby. North Indian. D. -8 in. Weight. 73 grains. 1S58. Cf. the European puzzle-rings, nos. 171 3 ff. 2406. Gold ; concavo-convex hoop with embossed ornament. At the back is a rosette, on the sides a pearled median band with diagonal parallel lines to right and left On each shoulder is a mask, the bezel forming a figure-of-eight knot composed of plain and pearled bands. North Indian, i()th century. D. '94 in. Weight, 107 grains. Obtained in Gwalior. 2407. SlL\"ER THUMB-KING : flat hoop expanding towards the bezel, where it rises to an apex surmounted by a finial : it is ornamented on the outside with birds and foliage reser\'ed on a ground of blue enamel. North Indian, igth century. D. "86 in. From Sdnde. 2408. Silver; the exterior of the hoop ornamented by a series of quatrefoils reserved in the metal and filled with blue enamel : the interspaces filled with green enaniei. North Indian, igth century. D. '86 in. From Scinde. 2409. SlL\ER : hoop with pierced designs between borders of cable wire. North Indian, \gth century. D. 76 in. From Amritsar. 2410. Silver ; broad hoop with three bands of rosettes applied to a backing of 8-shaped loops ; above and below, pearled and cable borders. North Indian, i gth century. D. I in. From Amritsar. 2411. Silver ; the hoop surrounded by a .sequence of cinquefoils on a backing of 8-shaped loops. North Indian, i gth century. D. I. in. From the Kangra valley. The method of manufacture resembles that of the pre\'ious example. ORIENTAL 335 2412. Silver ; at the bacl< of the hoop a raised qualrcfoil, the shoulders engraved ; apph"ed square bezel set with a table-cut carnelian. Indinn. I). '9 in. ( Brayl;rookc Coll.) 2413. Silver ; oval bezel set with an onyx. Indian. 1). '9 in. 2414. Silver ; projecting square bezel embossed with a figure of Krishna standing with crossed legs and playing a flute, between two figures of Gopis : behind, a bull or cow. Indian, igi/i cenlnry. U. I in. 2415. Silver ; the exterior has figures of gods, with two hands, two feet, &c., in relief. Indian, 19/// century. I). -92 in. 2416. Silver : flat hoop ; at the back is applied a flat plate rudely engraved with the feet of Vishnu ; near the upper and lower edges it is encircled by bands of cable wire which form over the bezel a figure-of-eight knot inter.spersed with five pellets. North Indian, i^th century. D. "92 in. From Gaya ; a pilgrim's ring. 2417. Another ; similar, but the hoop formed of two triple-wire bands forming an open-work knot at the bezel. D. ■t!4 in. From Gaya. 2418. Gold ; flat hoop engraved on the shoulders. Circular bezel with pearled border, and flanked by two groups of three pellets, containing a jacinth. Assamese, lyth century. D. "9 in. Weight, 72 grains. Said to be from the grave of a queen of the .-Miom tribe ; llie age of the tomb was estimated as 250-3CO years. 2419. Gold ; the bezel has a high central setting with a crystal ; to right and left, towards each shoulder of the ring, are four contiguous .settings, the sides ornamented with pellets; on one shoulder these settings are all empty, on the other, two contain red stones. On each of the other two sides is a single large setting of similar style, the stones lost from both. Sin/ta/csc. D. r2S in. Weight, 130 grains. This is a well-known type ; a number of similar examples will be found in the Ethnographical Collections. 336 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2420. Silver gilt : the hoop ornamented on the outer side with applied scrolls and cable borders ; lozenge-shaped bezel of similar type to the last, the central setting containing a crystal, and two of the smaller settings smaller crystals. Sinhalese. D. 1-38 in. 2421. Silver : similar type : plain hoop : the bezel with a central crystal : other settings with four garnets and two crystals. Sinhalese. V). ri6 in. II. Farther India, Java, China, (a) Biirma/i, Siajii, aiid yava. 2^'2'2. Gold ; a spiral coil in the form of a dragon or serpent, with open mouth, showing fangs. The outer side has a continuous band of rubies in oval settings (several missing). The remainder of the outer surface is enamelled in translucent green, red, and white enamel, the mouth, nose, tail, and scales on the side of the body being enriched in this way. The eyes were both originally set with red stones, only one of which now remains : each ear (?) is set with a small sapphire. Plate XXX. Burmese. D. 1-2 in. Weight, 33S grains. 2423. Gold ; hoop of triangular section ; bezel an oval setting with six claws containing a cat's-eye. Siamese. D. I in. Weight, 100 grains. 2424. Gold ; rudely flattened hoop ; oval bezel engraved with an early Javanese inscription : eri labha (Good liiek and profit). Javanese, \2th eentury. D. -g in. Weight, 323 grains. 2425. Gold ; slender hoop ; bezel similar to the last and engraved with an inscription in the same style: era hana {(ri hana = Here is liiek). Javanese, iith eentury. D. •86in. Weight, 217 g^rains. (Ashburnham Coll.) 2426. Gold; the hoop angular at the shoulders and modelled in two lobes: pointed-oval bezel engraved with ornamental (?) characters. Javanese. 0.1-46 in. Weight, 545 grains. (Ashburnham Coll.) ORIENTAL 337 2427. (joi.D; massive hoop of triangular section, narrowest at the b.ick ; pointed- oval bezel engraved with undulating and curved lines, suggesting modern written characters, and perhaps standin:;- for hjang {deity). Javanese. D. ro2 in. Weight, 404 grains. (Ashbumham Coll.) 2428. Gm.l) ; the hoop narrowest at the back and expanding to protuberant shoulders ; the bezel is a circular setting with a pearled border, containing a carnelian engraved in intaglio with a bird. yavaiiese. I). '94 in. Weight, 132 grains. (Ashburnham Coll.) 2429. Gold; slender hoop; oval bezel set with a carnelian engraved in intaglio with a monster. Javanese. D. "82 in. Weight, 73 grains. (.Vshburnham Coll.) 2430. Gold ; hoop rounded on the outer side and swelling at the shoulders ; hexagonal bezel with moulded sides, engraved with conventional foliate ornament surmounted by a fish, before the mouth of which is a leaf or branch. Plate XXX. Javanese. D. riSin. Weight, 871 grains. (Ashburnham ColL) 2431. GoLD; the hoop swelling to the shoulders; circular bezel engraved with conventional foliate design. Javatiese. D. ri in. Weight, 425 grains. (.Ashburnham Coll.) 2432. Gold; the hoop swells to the shoulders, which are ribbed, with transverse pearled bands ; quatrefoil bezel engraved with a design resembling a vase. Plate XXX. Javanese. D. -94 in. Weight, 346 grains. (Ashburnham Coll.) 2433- Gold ; the hoop swelling to the shoulders ; pointed-oval bezel engraved with a similar device. Plate XXX. Javanese. D. -94 in. Weight, 150 grains. (Ashbumham Coll.) 2434. Gold ; slender hoop ; oval bezel engraved with a similar device. Javanese. D. -83 in. Weight, 126 grains. (Ashburnham Coll.) /. 338 CATALOGUE OF FIXGER-RINGS 2435. Gold ; massive hoop expanding to the bezel, which is engraved with a similar device, Str figure. Javanese. U. '96 in. Weight, 435 grains. (Ashburnham Coll.) 2436. Gold ; the hoop swelling from the back to the bezel, which is chased with scrolls, and engraved on a pointed-oval panel with a device similar to those on the preceding numbers. Javattesc. 1). "94 in. Weight, 195 grains. (Ashburnham CoU.) 2437. Gold ; hollow hoop with protuberant shoulders ; lozenge-shaped bezel engraved with a device within a border. Javanese. I). "98 in. Weight, 40 grains. (Ashburnham Coll.) 2438. (j(:)LD ; the hoop swells from the back to protuberant shoulders ; flat circular bezel engraved with a floral (?) design. Javanese. D. '8 in. Weight, 1 10 grains. 2439. Gold; the hoop narrowest at the back and chased on the shoulders; lozenge -shaped bezel, raised on a stem, formerly engraved with a device. Javanese. D. I in. Weight, 183 grains. The shoulders perhaps imitate the Chinese type with monsters' heads. Cf. no. 2458. 2440. Copper gilt ; hoop swelling to protuberant shoulders ; raised oval bezel unengraved. Javanese. D. 12 in. 2441. Gold ; hollow ; the hoop swells from the back to the shoulders, which arc divided into sections by transverse ribs; bezel a quatrefoil setting containinr; a cabochon crystal. Plate XXX. Javanese. I). V2 in. Weight, 222 grains. 2442. Another ; similar ; also with a crystal. Javanese. IX 112 in. Weight, 202 grains. 2443. Another ; with a crystal. Javanese. IJ. \'i in. Weight, 160 grains. ORIKNIAI. 339 2444. Another; set with an amethyst. Javanese. 11. 104 in. Weij,'lit, 107 grains. 2445. Another : set with a blue and white glass paste. Javatiese. D. I in. Weight, 133 grains. 2446. Gold; massive; shoulders similar to those of the previous numbers, but the transverse ribs pearled, and the spaces between forming rounded panels ; oval bezel, the sides chased with scrolls, and set with an amethyst of irregular form. Plate XXX. Javanese. D. f24 in. Weight, 580 grains. 2447. Gold ; hollow ; the hoop swells from the back to protuberant shoulders : the bezel a quatrefoil setting with a carbuncle. Javanese. D. I in. Weight, 240 grains. 2448. Another ; similar, set with a cabochon amethyst. Javanese. D. I'l6 in. Weight, 117 grains. 2449. Gold ; the hoop enriched with plaited and cable wire bands, the shoulders chased with lotus-like flowers in high relief, and ornamented with pellets and applied wire scrolls. The bezel is a broad flat quatrefoil, with five cabochon crystals in plain raised settings ; between them are applied trefoils, and round the edge is a plaited border. Plate XXX. Javanese. L). i'5 In. Weight, 615 grains. 2450. Gold; the e.xterior of the hoop has a plaited median ridge, much worn, and pearled and plaited borders ; the shoulders have expanded flowers in high relief, with applied wire scrolls and pellets. Large flat bezel with border of plaited wire and pellets in groups of three ; it has three raised settings containing a carbuncle, an amethyst, and a crystal, and between them small groups of pellets. Plate XXX. Javanese. U. i"4 in. Weight, 618 grains. 2451. Gold ; the outside of the hoop chased with floral scrolls ; the bezel chased with flowers in very high relief. Plate XXX. Javanese. D. r44 in. Weight, 695 grains. The hoop is cut through transversely near one shoulder. Z 2 340 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2452. Gold ; the hoop chased with foliage on the shoulders ; acorn-shaped bezel with double border of leaves. Plate XXX. Javanese. D. i'i2 in. Weight, 51S grains. {()) China. 2453. Gold ; the shoulders in the form of dragons' heads ornamented with fili- gree ; rectangular bezel, with seal characters formed of strips of gold soldered on the edges : Nan an (Annam). D. "94 in. Weight, 145 grains. In the interior of the hoop are goldsmiths' stamps with Roman capitals ; OR and JG : these were possibly applied by European jewellers in one of the treaty ports. 2454. Another ; similar. On the bezel the characters Kung hsi ( Western Tribute), signifj'ing .Saigon. In the interior of the hoop, a Chinese maker's stamp, consisting of the characters: i yilan {source of harmony). D. -92 in. Weight, 82 grains. 2455. Another ; in the bezel the seal character : luei (?) (a trifle). D. -98 in. Weight, 106 grains. 2456. Another ; in the bezel the seal form : kmig (ivorkmanship). D. -86 in. Weight, 85 grains. 2457. Another ; the characters in the bezel crushed and illegible. D. '94 in. Weight, 112 grains. 2458. Another; the dragons' heads chased, without filigree ; ,, in the bezel characters in seal form : Shing ehii (dwell in \ r/^ prosperity'). -C^f- See figure. - < D. '94 in. Weight, 252 grains. _^ 2459. Another ; the bezel oval, with seal characters for s/iou hsiang {old age and felicity). In the interior, the maker's stamp: Pao-ch'eng {treasure complete). The hoop has ends overlapping at the back. D. '94 in. Weight, 144 grains. 2460. Gold ; similar type, much worn ; the bezel with two characters, one of which is chung, meaning ' middle ', the other uncertain. D. '9 in. Weight, 14S grains. (Ashbumhain Coll. I ORIENTAL 31' 2461. Gold ; tlie exterior of the hoop divided into a scries of compartments, each ornamented with a quatrefoii in rehef. In the interior, the same malcer's stamp as on no. 2459 : Pao-clicng. D. '9 in. Weight, 68 grains. 2462. (i(JLL) ; the exterior of die hoop is chased vvilli (loral scrolls, and at the back is a raised* rosette set with diamonds (one missing); the bezel is a rect- angular panel engraved with the characters: luci ticn{}) sliih nit (literally: do not weigh men and zvomen). In the interior are two makers' stamps: Jiti sheng (cLHSpicions progress), and another which is indistinct, and, in addition, in large capitals, ACUM, EAKJEM, with X, and a form resembling a shield. U. 86 in. Weight, 140 grains. 2463. Gold ; the hoop faceted on the exterior, with cable borders. In the interior are scratched the words : Ting ssii yii zvu yiieh (Ting-ssii year, and fifth month), a cyclical date representing 1857, 1797, 1737, &c., but in the present case most probably 1S57. The interior has also the maker's stamp: jung Ima [grandeur). See figure. IJ.-86in. Weight, 230 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) "^^ISllM?!^^ 2464. Silver; a broad band with raised borders and overlapping ends ; on the outside, in relief, emblems of four of the Eight Immortals: i. Crutch and gourd of Li T'ieh-Kiiai. 2. Fan of Chung-li Ch'uan. 3. Lotus seed-pod of Ho Hsien Ku. 4. Bamboo drum and rods of Chang Kuo Lao. In the interior the maker's seal : Chatg sJiiin an (Preserve aeeord and peace). D. '9 in. 2465. Silver ; a broad band with overlapping ends, one shaped and engraved to represent a bat. In the interior is the maker's stamp : fai ho tsu zvcn (great harmony, pure silver). D. -8 in. (Soden Smith Coll.) The bat if 11) is a homophone oifii (happiness). 2466. Silver ; a broad hoop with raised borders, the exterior surface banded with alternating plain and cable bands. Over these are four plaques enamelled in blue and pale bluish green, three representing birds, the fourth an indeterminate object. In the interior is the maker's stamp : t\n ho [great harmony). D. -84 in. 342 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RIXGS 2467. Silver ; a broad band with raised edges ; the outer side is pounced and has three bats in relief, once all enamelled in blue. In the interior is the maker's stamp : yii yi'tan (source of pkiity). D. -88 in. For the bat i/u) see no. 2465 ; the three bats symbolize the Three ISlessings— Long life, happiness, and emolument. 2468. Silver ; the bezel an oblong panel divided longitudinally into two com- partments. In the interior is a sign or mark, apparently composed of ssn {four) and yu {and). D. 78 in. 2469. Silver : broad penannular hoop with rounded overlapping ends. A broad band in the middle is pierced, and chased with scrolls. &c. : above and below are borders with frets. D. '9 in- (Soden Smith Coll.) 2470. Silver ; slender hoop with overlapping ends ; large rectangular bezel embossed with a scene representing women and children in a garden ; border with lozenge ornament. D. -94 in. (Soden Smith CoU.) 2471. Silver ; puzzle-ring of nine hoops ; the bezel is a rectangular panel chased with a building, before which is a figure reading a book ; raised border, with a band of lozenge ornament. D. -86 in. For puftle- rings cf. nos. 1 713 ft". 2472. Gold ; flat hoop, the outer side divided into three channels each containing the hair of an elephant s tail. Over these are applied five elephants embossed in gold. U. 75 in. Weight, 34 grains. The elephant is regarded in China as a s>'mbol of peace. 2473. Another ; similar, but the hoop divided into onlj- two channels, and with a single elephant. D. 76 in. Weight, 27 gniins. 2474. Copper : very broad hoop with conventional dark blue lotus flowers enamelled bj- the cloisonne process on a white ground. See figure. \f)th-i']t/i century. D. '92 in. (Octavius Morgan Coll.) \ ORIENTAL 343 2475. I'AI.K JADI. ; broad hoop cut- from the sohd, tlic ui)ijcr edge bevelled; on the outer side is painted in red four times llic word lisi (joy). JJ. ro4 in. llsi is commonly inscribed on wedding gifts. 2476. Another ; similar, with the same word painted four limes in tiie same way. 1). i'o5 in. 2477. Another ; similar ; without painted characters. D. VIZ in. \\. '92 in. 2478. Another; i)f varici^ated serpentine. I). \'-^ in. H. ro4 in. 2479. Pale jade ; a broad hoop flattened on one side, where it is carved in relief with a Chill lung (archaic dragon). ]). r4 in. H. I'l in. 2480. White JADE; the hoop narrowest at the back; uncngravcd oblong bezel in relief. D. I in. 2481. Anoiihir; similar; pale green jade. D. '94 in. 2482. Another; dark green jade. D. -86 in. 2483. Another; similar. D. -8 in. 2484. Horn ; a plain hoop rounded on tlie outer side I). '9 in. III. Miscellaneous Oriental Rings. 2485. Sh.VER ; slender hoop with a band of sexfoils reserved on a ground of niello ; raised circular bezel set with a hemispherical onyx, and nielloed with ro.settes on the under side. Caucasian, ii^th century. I). -93 in. 2486. Silver; a broad hooj) with a band of conventional ornament reserved on a ground of niello. Caucasian, 1 9/// century. D. "92 in. 344 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-KINGS 2487. Silver gilt; flat hoop, the exterior ornamented with an interlaced band between cable borders ; on each shoulder a setting with a green glass paste. Globular bezel, the upper half ornamented with cable wire, and set at the top with a coral bead ; it is supported at the sides by two vertical bars terminating in looped rosettes. D. 1-5 in. Obtained in Algeria. 2488. Silver ; flat hoop with cable and pearled bands on the outer side ; the bezel is a high conical setting, the sides ornamented with similar bands which enclose pyramids of pellets alternating with circles ; it contains a piece of coral. North African (?). D. 1-3 in. Castellan! Coll. 1872. 2489. -Silver ; the hoop a high setting, with a cable border round the base, and containing a cabochon onyx. North African (?). D. 1-22 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 2490. Bronze ; the shoulders engraved ; conical bezel with knob at top and ige rounc D. 1-3 in. flange round base ; the surfaces engraved. 2491. Silver ; slender hoop with bifurcating shoulders, over which are applied ornaments : the bezel is a circular setting containing a carbuncle. D. '96 in. From Tashkend. 2492. .SiL\ ER ; multiple ring with four hoops con- nected by three vertical bars, each with four loops at the back through which the hoops pass. One of these has three settings containing two pieces of coral and one blue glass paste, the other two have wire rosettes surmounted by pellets. See figure. North African (?). IJ. 1-3 in. diraybrooke Coll.) .^.^S^^^SiCj 2493- Silver ; multiple ring with five plain hoops secured in an equal number of loops at the back of three vertical bars, each set with a row of five turquoises and terminating in pellets. Persian (?). IJ. \•^ in. ORIENTAL 345 2494. Su.VKK ; multiple ring with seven hoops, alternately plain and cabled, passing through loops in a vertical bar, the front of which is ornamented with a fruit-shaped plaque on wliich is a circular setting with a faceted conical red glass paste. Egypt {^). D. -9 in. ' 2495. Silver; on each shoulder a row of pellets diminishing in size; raised octagonal bezel with three lines of characters in silver wire on ground of blue and green enamel. D. ro8 in. 2496. Silver ; the ring, which is formed of two wires, simulates two .serpents interlaced, their heads forming the bezel : the eyes arc inlaid with green beads (only one remaining). D. "94 in. 2497. Another ; similar, the eyes set with red beads, of which two are missing. \K "92 in. 2498. Gold ; flat hoop with cable borders, between which is a band of overlapping links. Sec figure. D. ■'i in. Weight, 54 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) 2499 Gold ; the hoop narrowest at the back ; the shoulders depressed ; the whole outer surface is ornamented with filigree, and the rectangular bezel has ornament in the same style, having in the middle figures suggesting characters, and a border of loops. ]->. '96 in. Weight, 98 grains. 2500. Another ; similar ; the hoop has ornament of applied cable wire and pellets ; the oval bezel filigree as in the preceding example. D. "94 in. Weight, 66 grains. IV. West AMcan Gold Rings. 2501. Gold ; concavo-convex hoop, the outer side punched with a wavy band, in the curves of which arc pointed-oval figures with small circles above them ; round the edges, at intervals, are semicircles. See figure. U. ri6 in. Weight, 124 grains. 346 CATALOGUE OF FINGER-RINGS 2502. Goi.D ; cast ; flat hoop, the exterior ornamented with indeterminate scroll- work in relief. D. "98 in. Weight, 138 grains. The ring is broken. 2503. Gold ; cast ; the hoop narrowest at the back, the shoulders pierced ; bezel with a central vertical ridge between two others, each divided into three. Ste figure. D. I "06 in. Weight, 65 5 grains.. 2504. Gold ; cast ; the hoop represents a wavy band with indeterminate figures filling the curves ; oval bezel, with a central oval panel in relief, round which are ^-shaped figures. D. -86 in. Weight. 200 grains. 2505. Gold ; cast to represent a crocodile : the hoop broad at the back, where there are two large almond-shaped apertures. D. I in. Weight, 386 grains. • 2506. Gold cast ; hoop narrowest at the back, with transverse ridges in pairs at inter\-als ; the bezel is formed by two projecting flanges. D. r25 in. Weight, 671 grains. 2507. Gold ; cast ; flat hoop cut through at the back, and punched with a band of zigzag ; thimble-shaped bezel with pierced foliate ornament. D. l-6in. Weight, 240 grains. 2508. Gold ; flat hoop with foliate ornament in relief ; large ^^ globular bezel with conventional flowers and leaves in open-work. See figure. D. r94 in. Weight, 423 grains. Given by the Government of the Gold Coast, 1901. The ring is stated to have belonged to the Chief Samor)-. 3509. Gold ; cast ; flat hoop with median ridge on outer side : hollow triangular bezel with leaves and other ornaments. I). 1-3 in. Weight, 135 grains. ORIENTAL 347 2510. Goi.K ; cast ; iho slender hoop lias a roughly pearled band round the outer side ; bezel formed of three rows of spiral coils, with a single coil projecting at the top ; on the front of it is a cylindrical [jrojcction. I). I in. Weight, SS grains. 2511. Gold ; cast ; flat hoop horizontally channelled ; pierced lozenge-shaped bezel tilled by five spiral scrolls, one partially overlaid with copper. D. I -03 in. Weight, 65 grains. 2512. Gold ; cast : the hoop represents a twist ; flat circular bezel with concentric circles, over which is a cruciform ornament. I). '94 in. Weight, 100 grains. 2513. Golu ; pcnaiinular hoop, plain and narrow at the back, the rest .spirally wreathed with very deep channels ami sharp high ridges. D. 1S2 in. Weight, 912 grains. The use of this object as a tinger-ring is not certain. 2514. Gold ; ' zodiac ring ' ; the hoop is a flat band to which are soldered the conventional signs of the zodiac ; above and below are soldered scrolled borders. See figure. D. -88 in. Weight, 168 grains. (Braybrooke Coll.) The ring is probably of nine- teenth-century date and made on the Gold Coast. Examples of a similar kind are numerous. ■M^^&iS^^ 2515. SlL\ ER ; the exterior of the hoop is divided into small oval panels engraved with circles, crosses, &c. ; oblong bezel engraved with a geometrical design with a small disk in each corner. D. '9 in. The hoop has been cut through at the back. 2516. Silver ; penannular ring in the form of a spiral twist. Egba, Abeokiita. D I in. ADDENDA. Nos. 2517 32 2517. Gold ; flat hoop having on the outer side a band of interlacing wire between borders of plain wire; large lozenge-shaped bezel of three tiers, with carbuncles in projecting settings, and ornament of filigree and pellets ; in the middle a high oval setting with a large carbuncle. 15/^ century. L. of bezel, 2-3 in. Weight, 55S ;,'rains. This may be a pontifical ring intended to be wom over gloves. 2518. Gold ; puzzle-ring of seven wires ; bezel a ro.setie of turquoises ; on the shoulders rosettes of applied wire with central pellets. 1 8/// century. D. 96 in. Weight, 95 grains. Cf. nos. 1713 ff. The rosettes reciili those of nos. 2i;87, 2492, &c. 2519- Silver ; puzzle-ring of two interlocking hoop-;. I ^tk century. D. '9 in. ( Londesborough Coll.) 2520. Bronze gilt ; slight projection at the back of the hoop ; the shoulders engraved. The bezel is a high oval setting containing a cabochon carnelian. 1 8/// century. D. 1-2 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, iJi6s. The ring is not purely oriental, but the projection at the back shows it to have been made in a country subjected to Eastern influence, perhaps Georgia. 2521. Silver; on each shoulder a leaf; octagonal bezel set with a blue glass paste ornamented with a conventional flower in gold. 18/// century. D. -86 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. 2522. Silver ; conical bezel with border of twisted wire round the base, set with a cabochon agate. Oriental. D. 1-2 in. Given by the Trustees of the Christy Collection, 1865. ADDKNDA 349 2523. Sii.vi;r ; Hat hoop ornamented on the outer side with bands of twisted pearled wire; projecting conical bezel with similar wire, which encloses a band ornamented with pyramids of pellets alternating with rings ; it is set with a piece of coral. Oriental. I). r3 in. 2524. SiLVKR ; the hoop of the type of no. 2340 ; the rectangular bezel is engraved with an Arabic inscription : Qitiila lahti al haqq laJiu al-niulk {Say: to God is the truth, to God is the dominion). Egyptian (?), mediaeval. V). I in. Obtained in Cairo. 2525. .Sii,vi;k; flat hoop engraved with scroll.^ u[)on the shoulders; rectangular bezel engraved in Kufic with the words : laui ism {no name). Egyptian (?), mediaeval. D. -84 in. 2526. Silver ; the hoop with projections at the back and on each shoulder ; projecting conical bezel engraved with an interlaced design in a lozenge inscribed within a square ; in the spandrels scrolls. Egyptian (?), mediaeval. D. ri6 in. 2527. Gold ; hollow hoop expanding to the bezel, which contains a pale sapphire of irregular shape. yd century or later. D. 'S in. Weight, 37 grains. 1S48. Found in a tope at Manikyala, enclosed in a gold bo.x, with .Sassanian and other coins (H. H. Wilson, Ariana Atitiqua, p. 35). 2528. Gold ; plain hoop expanding from the back to the shoulders ; bezel an oval setting containing a sard, engraved in intaglio with a beardless male head to right; before the face, in Nfigari characters: Bhadona eharana (probabi)' a personal name). The gem early mediaeval ; the hoop iHth century (?). D. '94 in. Weight, 164 grains. The gem is probably of the Gupta period. 2529. Gold; hollow hoop slender at the back, fdicd with a resinous substance; oval bezel set with a carnclian engraved in intaglio with a beardless male head to right. ffidc-Sassanian. D. -8 in. Weight, 35 grains. The exterior of the hoop is much broken, so that the tilling is continuously exposed. 35° ADDENDA 2530. Gold ; the hoop chased at the back with a quatrefoil design and engraved with leaves on the shoulders; the bezel is an oval setting with claws, containing a sard engraved in intaglio with a bearded head to right, with long hair, and wearing a high cap. D. '86 in. Weight, 90 grains. The gem is Sassanian, the hoop comparatively modern. 2531. Gold ; the hoop similar to the last ; oval bezel set with a chalcedony engraved in intaglio with a standing figure of Minei-va standing to left with shield and spear. D. 76 in. Weight, 38 grains. The gem Late Roman, the hoop Indian, and of comparatively modern date. 2532. Silver ; flat hoop engraved on each shoulder ; oval bezel with claws containing a lapis lazuli engraved in NagarT characters : Rauaray Nanisaqd, and below, a swastika. hidian, \?)ih century D. -92 in. The inscription gives a proper name. 351 TABLE FOR CONVERTING ENGLISH INCHES INTO MILIJMETKES Inches Millimetres 95 3-5 85 i 7rt 65 £.•5 '^Ti 5^ . A. *\ IR BrO ?.5 !• ?0 ■5 . . •^r^ 352 TABLE OF THE RELATIVE WEIGHTS OF ENGLISH GRAINS AND FRENCH GRAMMES Grains. GramuR->. Ci rains. Grauxmcs. Grains. Gi-aiumes. b mills. Grammes. 1 •064 41 2-656 81 5-248 121 7-840 2 129 42 2-720 82 5-312 122 7-905 3 194 43 2-785 S3 5-378 123 7-970 4 259 44 2-850 84 5-442 124 8-035 5 324 45 2-915 85 5-508 125 8- 100 6 388 46 2-980 86 5-572 126 8164 7 453 47 3045 87 5-637 127 8-229 8 518 48 3 110 88 5-702 128 8-294 9 583 49 3 175 89 5-767 129 8-359 10 648 50 3-240 90 5-832 130 8-424 11 712 51 3-304 91 5-896 131 8-488 12 7(7 52 3-368 92 5-961 132 8-553 13 842 53 3-434 93 6026 133 8-618 14 907 54 3-498 94 6091 134 8-682 15 972 55 3-564 95 6156 135 8-747 16 036 56 3-628 96 6-220 136 8-812 17 101 57 3-693 97 6-285 137 8-877 18 166 58 3-758 98 6-350 138 8-942 19 231 59 3-823 99 6-415 139 9-0t>7 20 296 60 3-888 1(K1 6-480 140 9-072 21 1 360 61 3-952 101 6-544 141 9-136 22 425 62 4-017 102 6-6(:»9 142 9-200 23 490 63 4-082 103 6-674 143 9-265 24 555 64 4146 104 6-739 144 9-330 25 620 65 4211 105 6-804 145 9-395 26 684 66 4276 106 6868 146 9 460 27 1 749 67 4-341 107 6933 147 9-525 28 814 68 4406 108 6-998 148 1 9-590 29 879 69 4-471 109 7-063 149 9-655 30 944 70 4-536 110 7-128 150 9-720 31 008 71 4-600 111 7192 151 9-784 32 073 72 4-665 112 7-257 152 9-848 33 138 73 4-729 113 7-322 153 9-914 34 202 74 4 794 114 7-387 154 i 9-978 35 267 75 4-859 115 • 7-452 155 i 10044 36 332 76 4-924 116 7-516 156 ' 10-108 37 ^ 397 77 4-989 117 1 7-581 157 i 10-173 38 2 462 78 5-054 US 7-646 158 , 10-23.S 39 O 527 79 5-119 list 7-711 159 10303 4n L' .")'.ll' S(l ols4 12 Hid 111 :iiis 353 TABLE OI- THE RI'LATIVK WEIGHTS Ol' ENGLISH GRAINS AND FRENCH GRAMMES Grains. Granimos. (iniins. Grammes. Grains. 241 GRnnmcs. 15-616 Grainu. Gramme!). 101 10-432 201 13-024 290 18-79 162 10-497 202 13-089 242 15-680 300 19-44 103 10-502 203 13-154 243 15-745 310 20-0,S lOi 10-620 204 13-219 244 15-810 320 20-73 105 10-091 205 13-284 245 15-875 330 21-38 100 10-756 200 13-348 240 15-9 to 340 22-02 107 10-821 207 13-413 247 10-005 350 22-07 lOS 10-886 208 13.478 24.S 16-070 30O 23-32 109 10-951 209 13-543 249 10-135 370 23-97 170 11-010 210 13-008 250 10-200 380 24-62 171 11-080 211 13-672 251 10-204 390 25-27 172 11-145 212 13-737 252 10-328 400 25-92 173 11-209 213 13-802 253 10-394 410 26-56 174 11-274 214 13-867 254 16-458 420 27-20 175 11-339 215 13-932 255 16-524 430 27-85 176 11-404 216 13-996 256 16-588 440 28-50 177 11-469 217 14.001 257 16-653 450 29-15 178 11-534 218 14-120 258 16.718 400 29-80 179 11-599 219 14-191 259 16-783 470 30-45 ISO 11-004 220 14-250 260 16-848 480 31-10 181 11-728 221 14-320 261 16-912 490 31-75 182 11-792 222 14-385 202 16-977 500 32-40 183 11-858 223 14-450 203 17-042 510 33 ()4 184 11-922 224 14-515 204 17-106 520 33-68 185 11-988 225 14-580 2()5 17-171 530 34-34 186 12-052 226 14-644 200 17-230 540 34-98 187 12117 227 14-709 267 17-301 550 35-64 188 12-182 228 14-774 268 17-360 560 3()-28 189 12-247 229 14-839 269 17 431 570 3(i-93 190 12-312 230 14-904 27(» 17-490 580 37-58 191 12-370 231 14-968 271 17-.50O 590 38-23 192 12-441 232 15-033 272 17-025 (iOO 38-88 193 12-500 233 15-098 273 17-089 700 45-30 194 12-571 234 15-102 274 17 754 soo 51-84 195 12-636 235 15-227 275 17-819 9(K) .5S-32 190 12-700 236 15-292 270 17-884 1000 (i4-80 197 12-705 237 15-357 277 17 949 2000 129-00 198 12-830 238 15-422 278 18-014 3000 194 40 199 12-895 239 15-487 279 18-079 4000 ■259-20 200 12-900 240 15-552 2S0 18-144 5000 324-00 A a I. GENERAL INDEX Abbess's ring, xxxix. Acklain, Arms of, 618. Adoration, The, 46. Aesculapius, 301. /Ethrcd, Ring of, 181. African rings. West, Ivii, 2501 IT. Agilbert, Ring of, xix, xx. Agnus Dei, 180, 241, 784. Alhstan, Ring of, xvi, 179. Amulet, Lunar, 894. Amulet-rings, xxviii, xlii ff., Ivii, 59, 518. S63ff. Anchor, 22, 23, 26. Angels, 38, 39, 46, III, 115, 122, 123. Anglo-Saxon rings, xxix, 179 fF. Anne, Queen, 1379. — Mourning-ring for, 1434. Annel de Vendredi, xxxiv. Annunciation, The, 39, 46, 745, 746. Anthony, Saint, 721, 765. Antonelli, Cardinal, Portrait of, 1398. Apollo, 314. Apostles, 112. Armenian ring, 2332. Amulf, Ring of, xx. Ashburnham, Lord, xiv, Ivii. Ashmolean Museum, xiv, xxix, 204, 229, 234, 855,945, 1833. Athens, 2242, 2353. Ass's hoof, xlvi, 907, 908. Bacchanals, 235. Balmerino, Lord, 1417. Barbara, Saint, 353, 733 5, 752, 757, 759, 766, 1029. Barbo, Arms of, 857. Bargelio, The, 855, 857, 859, i960. Beefsteak Club, Mourning-ring of, 1628. Bentham, Jeremy, Portrait of, 1396. Bcntinck, Arms of, 320. Bentley, Thomas, .Mourning-ring for, 1557. Bestiary, The, xliii. Betrothal rings, .xxvii, xxviii, xlvii-xlix, 44 ff., 127-9. Biscione, 849. Bishops' rings, see Kpiscopal. Boccafusco, Arms of Cardinal, 834. Bone, Henry, Knamel by, 1387. Booth, Lawrence, Ring of, xxxvii. Borstal Horn, Ring on, Iv. Bow-rings, Ivii, 239. Braybrooke, Lord, xiii. Bride and bridegroom, 46 50, 127-9. Brinus, Ring of, xxxv. Bristol, Lord, Mourning-ring for, 1445. Burmese ring, 2422. Bury, Arms of, 599. Byzantine rings, x.xvii, xxviii, 7 ff. Cabochon gems, xx. Callixtus HI, 853. Cameos, 892, 920, 1358, 1368, 1389 ff., 1393, 1399, 1409, 1411-13. 1706, 1962 flf., 2009, 2044, 2086, 2087, 2135-7, 2153, 2178. Cardan, J., xxi, xliii. Cardinals' rings, xlii. Carlisle Collection, 653. Carnival rings, 1730-3. Caroline, Queen (Consort of George II), Mourning-ring for, 1435. Caroline, Queen (Consort of George IVi, Mourning-ring for, 1438. Catharine, Saint, 396, 737-9, 744- 749- Caucasian rings, 2485,2486. A a 2 356 GENERAL INDEX Ceres, 224. Charles I, Portrait of, 1359 ff. — Rin2 commemorating exhumation of, 1419- — Signet of, xxi. Charles II, Portrait of, 1369 ff. Charles V of France, Inventory of, xxxiv, xxxvii, x-xxviii. Charlotte, Princess, Mouming-ring for, 1440. Charters, Rings on, Iv. Chester, The Rev. G., xiii. Chevalier, The Old. See Old ChcN-alier. Chichester, Episcopal ring at, xxxv ii. Childeric, Signet of, xxviii. Chinese rings, Ivii, loSo, 2453 ff'. Christopher, Saint, 72 S, 729, 732, 742, 748, 757, 759, S05. Clarissa Harlowe, lii. Classification of rings, xvi. Cibo, Arms of, 860. Claddagh rings, 1104, 1105. Coins found with rings. III, 210, 215. 174c. Colonna, Badge of, S34. Compass ring, 1707. Condolmerio, 269, S37, S38, S44, 852. Cord, Rings carried on, xxv, xxvi. Coronation-ring, liii. Courtenay, Arms of, 2S5. Coventry ring. The, 718. Cramp-rings, xliv. Cranach, Portraits by, xxiv, xx\ . Cross, 34-8, 50, 88, 91, 92, III, 132-40, 161, 164, 165, 246, 793-Soo. Crowned letters, 334 ff'-, 357 ff"-, 427, 447. 451, 5>o. 530, 534- 539- Crucifixion, The, 46, 777, 7S1, 782, 790-2. Crystal signets with colours behind, xxiv. xxxi. Cupid, 303, 305, 666, 1970, 2 1 So. Cupid, Head of, 1962 fi. Cylinders for rings, xxvi. Dating of rings, xviii. Death's-head, 811 ff., 826 ft'., 144S ff., 1459, 1462 ff., 1502, 1503, 1736. Decade-rings, xxxiii, xxxiv, 7S8ff. Demetrius, Saint, 43. Derwcntwater, Lord, 1 41 7. Devotional rings, xxxii ff., 681 ff. Dial-rings, 1703-6. Diamond, Engraving of the, xxi. Doctor's ring, liv. Doges, Ring of, xv. Donati, Zeno, 239. Donne, John, Rings devised by, xvi. Doublets, xxi. Dragon, 239, 256, 275, 279, 298. Dunstan, St., Ring reputed by, xv. Durham, Episcopal rings at. xxxvii. Eagle of St. John, 463. Eanred, 181. Early Christian rings, xxvi, I ff. Ecclesiastical rings, 832 ff. Edward the Confessor, Ring of, xv. xliv. Elizabeth, Queen, Portrait of, xxv, 1358. Enamel, xxii, 177, 17S. 309, 311, 319, 320, . 325-7, 404, 460, 486, 554-6, 559. 562. 564. 567, 648, 649, 651, 656, 657, 659 ff., 704. 722 fi"., 779, 780, 785, 811 fif., 825, 826, 925 ff., 936ff'-, 962 ffl, 989ff-- 1055, 1092, 1095, iioo, 1102, 1106, I33lff., I359ff., 1387, 1410, 1432 ff., i529ff., 1692, 1S73, iSSo, 1890, 1908 ff., 2015, 20S9, 2101, 2106 ffl, 2139, 2140, 2160 ff., 2396, 2397, 2399, 2402, 2407, 2408, 2422, 2474. Episcopal rings, xxxiv ff., 861, 862, 1749 (note preceding), 1827 ff.. 2517 {?). — Reversion of, xxxvi, xxxvii. Essex ring, The, xv. Ethelswith, Ring of, xvi, i?o. Ethelwulf, Ring of, 1 79. Eugenius IV, Arms of, 844, 852. EvangeHsts, SjTnbols of the, S52ff. Evans, Sir A., Collection of, xxxvii, 39. Falmouth, \'iscount. Portrait of, 1394. Fancy rings, Iv, 1693 ff. Fede rings, xlvii. 811, ico2ff. Feock, Saint, 938. Fingers on which rings are worn, xxii ft'. Fish, 2, 266. Fisherman, I. Fisherman's ring, xlii. Fleetwood, Arms of, 319. Fob-ring, 1709. Formidable, The, 1654. Fortnum, C. D., xiv. Frankish rings, .\x.\, 1 46 ft. (.ENl^KAI. INDRX 357 Frankland, Sir Thonias, Mourninjj-ring for, 1444. Franks, Sir Wollastoii, xiii. Frederick the (Ireat, Initials of, 1422, 1423. — Portrait of, 1390. French military rings, 1425, 1 430, 1431. Galley, 24, 25. Gems, Cabochon, xx. — Engraving of, xix xxi. ■ Faceting of, xx. — Imitations of, xxi. — Qualities of, xliii, xliv. — used in rings, xix-xxi. George, Saint, 1 17-21, 353. 4iS. 72/, 74«. 783, 2101. George I, Portrait of, 13S0. George II, Mourning-ring for, 1436. — Portrait of, 1372, 13S1. George III, Portrait of, 1384, 1385. — Ring commemorating marriage, 1420. — Mourning-ring for, 1437. George IV, Mourning-ring for, 1439. — Arms of, 2174. Giardinetti rings, 211 1. Gimmel rings, xlvii, xlviii, 991-3. Gloves, Rings worn over, xxv, xxxvi. — Rings worn under, xxv. Gnostic gems, 237. Gresham, Sir Thomas, Ring of, xlviii. Grushill, Lady, Monument of, xxiv. Gustavus Adolphus, Portrait of, 1388. Halifax, Lord, Mourning-ring for, 1442. Hampden, Lord, Mourning-ring for. 1670. Hat, Rings worn on, .xxv. Henri IV, Portrait of, 1389. Henrietta Maria, Ring of, 650. Henry VI, Inventory of, xxvi. Hercules, 226, 214S. Hereford, Episcopal ring at, xxxvii, xxxviii. Horn amulet, 905, 906. Hygieia, 217, 301. Iconographic rings, xxxiii, 722 ff. Indian rings, 2315 ff., 2377 ff., 2527 ff. Innocent VIII, Arms of, 835, 860. Innocent XI, Mourning-ring for, 1447. Inniictnl .Mil, Initials ol, 652. Inscribed rings, 916 IT. Jnt.iglids, Antique, in later rings, xx\iii, xxxi, 16S, 172, 206, 217 IT., 302 nr., 656,659, 664. 665, 667, 2010, 2095, 2134. --Mediaeval, 220," 228, 23! (.'), 244, 257, 297 IT., 306 ff. — Renaissance and later, 661, 662, 666, 824, 1414, 1415. Investiture, Kings of, xli, Iv, 1690. Ivory, Rings of, 778, 1727. Jacobite rings (j^t; Stuart rings), li, 1417, 141S. Javanese rings, Ivii, 2424 ff. Jewish rings, xlix, 1331 IT. John the liaptist. Saint, 721, 726, 729 31, 740, 741,751,766. John of lieverley, xxxv. John the Evangelist, Saint, 741. 777. John Nepomuk, Saint, 787. Jupiter, 310, 663. Justinian I, Coin of, 131. Key-rings, i, 3. Kilmarnock, Lord, 141 7. Kingston, Duke of. Mourning-ring for, 1443. Knots, 466, 570, 587 ff., 990. Krishna, 2414. Lankestcr, Sir E. Ray, 895. Laurence, Saint, 330. Lord's Prayer, The, 774, 775, 2045. Louis, Saint, Signet of, xxxii. Loup, Ring of Saint, xxxviii. Lovat, Lord, 1417. Love-rings, xxvii, xxviii, xlvii-xlix, 44 IT., 127-9, 1331 ff. Magi, see Three Kings. Magic figures and inscriptions, xlv. - formulae, xlv, 218, 1005 (?). — rings, xlii ff. — square, 2298, 2304. Maintenon, Madame de. Portrait of, 1393. Marcian, Coin of, 130. Margaret, Saint, 736, 749, 752. Maria I of Portugal, Portrait of, 1392. Maria Teresa, Portrait of, xxv. 358 GENERAL INDEX Maria Teresa, Ring commemorating marriage of, 1421. ^farquise rings, 1594, 1644, 2163, 2164. Marriage-rings, xxvii, xwiii, xlvii-xlix, 44 ff., 127-9, 1331 ff- Marshall, F. H., xiii. Mary I, Portrait of, xxiv. Mar>' Queen of Scots, Betrothal-ring of, xlix. — Signet of, 316. I^Iarj' II, Portrait of, 1376. — Mourning-ring for, 1433. Material of rings, xviii. Medici, Arms of, S39. Medusa head, 59, 658. Memento >// or i Tings, xxxiii, lii, 811 ff., 1450. Memorial-rings, xlix ff., 1358 ff. Menas, Saint, 116. Merchants' marks, xxxi, 33S, 340-2, 355, 356, 400, 403, 423, 431, 432, 504, 559, 566, 576, 583, 584, 597, 627, 629-32, 646. Mercur)', 219, 656, 664, 678. Merovingian rings, 146 ff. Miner\a. 2531. ^Imiatures, 1405 ff., 2039, 2162. Monograms, 38, 88-110, 152-60, 541, 54S, 591, 604, 645, 651, 804, 1096 ff., 1496, I498ff. — Cruciform, 95 ff. Morgan, Octavius, xiii, xxxv. Mourning-rings, li, lii, 591, 1432 ff. Murphy, Arms of, 643. Napoleonic ring, 1424. Nativity, The, 46. Neck, rings worn round, xxv. Nelson, Lord, Mourning-ring for, 1441. Nemesis, 225. Niello, xxi-.\xii, 38, 46-50, 176, 179-82, 202, 239, 254, 25S, 351, 708, 711, 715, S24, 920. 9S2, 986, 1032 ff., 1081, 1740, 1865 ff. Norwich Castle IMuseum, xiv, 799. Nun's ring, xl, 712. Official ring, liii. Old Chevalier, Cipher of, 651. Initials of, 652. Portraits of, 1373 ff. Oldham, Bishop, Monument of, xxiv. Old St. Paul's, Rings in, xxvi-xxxvi. Oralis, 37, 116, 126. Oriental rings, Ivii, 2272 ff., 2520 ff. Oriental rings with European names, 2325, 2327 ff. Ornamental rings, 1740 ff. Orpheus, 46. Our Lord, 38, 46, 50, iii, 112, 714, 2256. in Tomb, 718, 743. Palm-branch, 15, 17-19, 166. Papal rings, xl-xlii, S32 ff. Paris, Judgement of, 2039. Parts of rings, xviii. Passion, Instruments of the, 407, 718. Paul II, Arms of, 857-9. — Collection of, xiv, xxxviii. Peacock, 179. Peasant rings, Ivi, 21S3 ff. Pelham, Buckle of, 482. Pelican in her piety, 537, 542, 614, 644. Pentagram, S91. Percival, Spencer, 1446. Percy Signet, The, 536. Piccolomini, Arms of, 855. Pius II, Arms of, 855. Poison-rings, Iv. Pohsh memorial-rings, 1426 ff. Pontifical rings, xxxvi. Portrait-rings, li, 1358 ff. Posy-rings, xiii, 3, 15, 233, 289, 290, 296,494, 554, 558-60, 564, 615a, 725, 728, 742, 747, 752, 759, 958-63, 965, 968, 970 ff., 993, 995, 997, 1022, 1024, 1025, 1107-1330. 1457, 1484, 1534. 1536. Presentation, The, 46. Prometheus, 1961. Puzzle-rings, 2518, 2519, 1713 ff. Pynkeney, Arms of, 606. Ravenscroft, Arms of, 601. Rebus, 327, 469, 526, 540. ' Regard' ring, 2172. Relic-rings, xxxi\'. Ring-dials, 1698, 1699. Rings : Classification of, xvi. Dating of, xviii. Material of, xviii. Parts of, xviii. Uses of, xvii. Wearing of, x.\ii. Offered at shrines, xxvi. niCNKRAI. INDKX 359 Rings : [coiitinui-d). On charters, Iv. On cords, xxv, xxvi. On cylinders, xxvi. Worn as neck-orn 77Sa, 779, 801-3, 909- /. H. S. est amor meus, 1 01 1. lie ever be constant to thee, 1024, 1025. / live in hope, 95 1. // Fa louche peut-ctre, 2069. Imperio regit unos aequo, 16S2. In death she's blest, &c., 1484. In Defens, 316. //; Deo Sal us, 491. In hoc signo vinces, 7 78. In tnanus tuas Domine, 230, 254. 275. Iti nomine Domini, 889, 8go. In on is al, 293. lo sui ici en liu de ami, &c., 1006. ICKIOI, 77. I trust in God, 724. I'djis my letul praty/o, &c., 963. lOJANONNO, 86. Jasper, Melchior, Balthasar, 518, 885-8. Je ne la crains que dans ton cwur, 1736. Je port foy oit je doy, 296. Je si also, 944. Je suis de druerie, &c., 958. Jesus, 880. Jesus autem transiens, &c., 231, 239, 2S3, S77-9. 895- Jesus Maria, 694-700. Jesus Mary Joseph, 772. Jesus Nazarenus. 531, 701, 702, 8S1-4, 1012 ff. Jesus the Lord his harp employs, 1558. Je vous tiens, 233. Joic sans fin, 28S, 562, 741, 760, 924-7. Justitiae tenax, 1687. KAPTEPEI, 52. KIPIOC OTICA\OC, &c., 234. KYPIE BOHeEI,&c., 54-67. Kute dormio, &.Z., 920. Vamour nous unit, 1000. Leges sine moribus Vanae, 1689. Legis execuco regis pservacio, 1678, 1679. AEONTC, 82. Let love ainde till death dez'ide, 1 536. Lex regis praesidium, 1680. Literature grande, 955. Lorenzo a Una, 984. Loyal desir, 722. Loylement une, 494. Magical inscriptions, 445. Marjinianus vivas, 5. Maria, 401. Maria hilff, 785. Massal tob, 1332 ff. Memento mori, 816, 818-22, 825, 1448, 1488, iS3i> 1537. 1543. i545> 1602, 161 1. Memoriajusti aeterna, 1469. Mentem, &.C., 259. Meplet, 972. Mercuri i'iv\as\ 10. MIXAHL, 83. Mon ca-ur avez, 558, 752, 1009. Mon cor plesur, 560. \AI\on cuer a vos, 1020. Mors bonis grata, 813. Mos et lex, 1683. Most in mynde, &.C., 962. Myr sy byn, 93S. Nach dem liegen scheint die Sonne, 2047. IVoiie can prei'cnt the Lord's intent, I457. INDKX OF INSCUIPTIONS 363 Not losl but gone before, 1485, 1649. Nowel, 306. Now ys thus, 536. Nul et ben, 561. AriOC AHMHTPIt, 43. O cesi anel de chastilc, &c., 712. Oer, 12. OICATO, .Vc, 75,76. O Miiti-r Dei memento met, 394, 696-9. O/WONYA, 47-50. One well chosen, 1644. I'apa Callisto, 853. Paribus legibus, 1688. I'ater Noster, 774, 775. Pauliis P. P. SeeunUus, 858, 859. Pences tfc moy, 979. Per bon amor, 747. Pour 7'ous soiet, 975. Prenes en bonefoy, 971. Prenez mot si vous m'approuvcz, 99S. Prepared he to follow me, 1631, 1632. /'«r /t' meux, 977. /'/PArHC OIOANOY, &c., 41. C*PAriC COAOMONOC, 73, 74. CTE;// (i part, 943. 7(?«/ wa ivV, 554. Tout man caur avez, 742. Tout pour bien feyre, 936, 937. Tried by the giver^s love, &c., 61 5:1. Trowth isfre, 976. Tu pace juvare iiiortales, 1684. Tut disun, 923. YTIA, icxj. VriA ICOANNOY, 68, 69. Unefame tiominative. Sec, 964. 6''« />CK beaucoup, 957. Verba dei cell firmati sunt, &.C, 1700. Verbum caro factum est, 229, 258-60, 895. Vergis min nit, 959. Vertue crownes all crosses, 954. Victorious he who beareth me, 604. F/*(jj, 7. K//a ;/;o« irtt'ttr, &c., 961. Vivas, 6. Fn'rtj z>/ Dio, 8. FiVrt/ rex et lex, 1676, 1677. Vive Jt'sus, 780. F(?/;r ami tie fait mafelicite, 996. Fiyf- i-/ souvcncz, 2107. Vulnera quinque Dei, &c., 7 1 8, 719. H^iiJ (j(>/ zusamenfiegt, &c, 991. Wi"// (/ /V/)', ', 718. Crete, 1853. 1922. Cuerdale, 210. Cyprus, 250. Dallinghoe, 747, 758. Devonshire, 718. Dorset, 372, 452, 549, 598, 6S0, 766, 796. Douglas, 211. Dunmow, 923. Essex, 293, 492, 504. 753, 8S2, 897, 916, 923, 965, 980, 1306, 13 1 5, 2042. Eversfield, 990. Evesham, 767. Faversham, 206. Floddcn, 1776. INDhX or I.(JCA1.1TIES 36= Florence, 855, 857, 859, 872. Fountains Abbey, 968. Fressingfield, 752. Galway, 711, 1104, 1105, Garendon, 750. Garrick Street, 204. Gaya, 2416, 2417. Geneva, 305, 717, 1945. Gennys, Saint, 759. Genoa, 2236 fF. Girgenti, 47. Glamorganshire, 566. Gloucester, 500, 559. Gloucestershire, 500, 559. Godstow, 962. Gothland, 215c. Greece, 235, 573. Greymoor Hill, 184. Grittleton, 616a. Gwalior, 2406. Hammersmith, 207a. Hampshire, 204, 215, 550, 722, 744, 7S8, 1S14, 1877. Hamsey, 215a. Hardington, 2S5. Harwich, 897. Hertfordshire, 1026, 1230. Hornsea, 876. Hornsey, 929. Ipswich, 762, 937, 1763. Isle of Man, 211. Ixworth, 698, 883. Kangra Valley, 241 1. Kent, 2o6, 220, 287, 816, 817, 1761, 1774, 17S2, 2013. Kerry, 918. Kilmattock, 952. Kingmoor, 184. Kirkstall Abbey, 589. Lancashire, iSi, 210, 1788. Lark Hill, 1025, 1740. Laverstock, 179. Leicestershire, 750. Leinster, 1895. Lewes, 201. Limerick, 952. Lincoln, 1767. Lincolnshire, 205, CS76, 1767. Linton Heath, 188-92. Littlebury, 504. Little Kaston, 293. Little VVilbraham, 187, 193-8. Llantwit Major, 566. London. 204, 207a, 223, 355, 43V. 47i, 5'°- 529, 540, 61 1, 614, 724, 760, 888, 958, 972a, 978,979, '753. 1764, 1 769. I779> 1796. London Bridge, 223, 439, 471. Luxor, 136, 143. Macon, 157, 158. Malton, 1757. Manikyala tope, 2527. Mayence, Archbishopric of, 862. Mecca, 2365, 2369. Meldreth, 1861. Merton, 448. Middlesex, 926, 928, 929, 1006. Milan, 174. Milton, 1 76 1. Monkstown, 1978. Monmouthshire, 555, 2079. Morton, 1785. Mountfield, 200. Murano, 1832, 1833. Naples, 85, 139, 1974, 2051, 2132. Narona, 11. Nene R., 202. Netley, 788. Newmarket, 561. Newport, 2079. Norfolk, 757, 1931. Northamptonshire, 202, 1857. Northumberland, 1776. Norwich, 757. Nottinghamshire, 592. Orvieto, 1 1. Oxford, 214, 1837. Oxfordshire, 209, 214, 300, 962. Palermo, 39, 46. Pensford, 541. Peterborough, 202, 1857. Pisa, 2235. Port Arlington, 1895. 366 INDEX OF LOCALITIES Quetta, 2377, 2378. Ouft, 134- Rawal Pindi, 2335, 2379. Reigate, 1203. 1218. Richmond, 289. Rickling Green, 492. Kochford, 916. Rome, 29, 40. 73, 90. 260, 4S8, 56S, 10S3, 185S, 2032, 2044. 2220. Rouen, 130. Rutlandshire, 599. St. Albans. 1026. St. Leonards Forest, 17^3. Savoy, 146, 269. Saxmundham, 753- Scania, 1 85 1. Scutari, 41. Selsey, 2152. Shapvi-ick, 766. Sherbum, iSo. Shrewsbur}-, 313. Shropshire, 313. Sicily, 108. Sindh, 2407, 2408. Smy-ma. 70, 74,78, Si, 100, 123, 126, 132, 141, 142, 145.65s, 669, 1895, 2341, 2351, 2354- Soberton, 215. Somersetshire, 285, 379, 541, 733, 1780. Southampton, 550, 722. South Loftus, 225. Staffordshire, 1679. Sudbur^', 564. Sufiblk, 491, 564, 698, 701, 747, 752, 753, 75S, 762, 778, S83, 937, 1012, 1531, 1763. Surrey, 289, 296, 448, S13, 990,' 1 177, 1203, 1218. Sussex, 200, 201, 215a. 1790, 1832, 2152. Sweden, 1S50, 1 85 1. Syracuse, 56. Tarrant Gunville, 452, 549. Tartus, 68, 89, 122, 2279. Thames, 207a, 2S9, 296, 355, 418, 472 477, 5291 557, 727, SS4, 928, 993, 1840. Thebes, Eg>-pt, ilS, 133, 135, 13S. Tirlemont, 3. Tipperarj', 203. Ton-ton, 536. Tutbury, 1679. Valentine's Island, 918. Venice, 39, 1954. Verona, 806. Volterra, 6SS. Warwickshire, 718. Waterford, 213. Wells, 1780. Wenden, 13 15. West Bergholt, 212. Westminster, 926, 92S. Westmoreland, 15, 184. Weston, 491. Weymouth, 598. Whitstable, 1774. Wiltshire, 179, 6l6a, 1875. Winchester, 1877. Windsor, 406, 556. Wiston, 1S52. Wittersham, 1782. WoUaston, 976. Woodstock, 300. Woodj-ates, 372. Worcester, 530, 1025. Worcestershire, 530, 767, 1025, 1740. Yemen, 2364. York, 606, 1884. Yorkshire, iSo, 184. 225, 536, 554, 589, 606, 56S, 1529, 1757, 1SS4. Plate I 177 178 > 172 171 146 170 168 169 158 173 206 166 175 EARLY TEUTONIC RINGS. Plate II 182 208 180 207 "W^^^ 2^2 203 204- 2O0 201 205 ANGLO-SAXON RINGS. Plate III 219 221 218 220 • ® 222 223 224 225 232 227 226 228 234 ^^CBJ^ 239 252 255 256 257 259 ^ w 261 SIGNET RINGS: MEDIAEVAL. Plate IV 260 Sk ^ 267 268 259 ^ 275 ^ 277 s:^ 280 279 ( 286 288 285 f ^^ ^^ 290 /i3^ 292 289 291 294 293 \gy 295 Hg 296 SIGNET RINGS: MEDI.EVAL. Plate V 307 cSJ !^I 310 312 313 306 300 299 308 302 'Xi^- 320 V-:-W^ 319 ?V. 323 324 325 SIGNET RINGS: i6th CENTURY. Plate VI 349 ^/' 348 480 401 r^ 328 486 355 353 482 in?' ./ 483 481 356 1^. ,^^^^!i; 469 418 468 SIGNET RINGS: i6th CENTURY. Plate VII 462 463 460 */i '■^^z .v.. IT '.^" 461 554 555 536 JF^ 556 562 553 557 564 7§r 565 504 SIGNET RINGS: 15x11-16111 CENTURY. Plate VIII \V?^ ^S^ 593 587 591 589 603 ■S»^. 607 601 598 602 604 \ • -■** _ ' ^ v o*'. y.j^ Ci 611 600 V>X^ 605 606 SIGNET RINGS: i6t»-I7TH CENTURY. Plate IX .=-7/ 612 616 638 637 621 f/ 641 622 7 620 643 618 567 599 623 SIGNET RINGS: 16TH-17TH CENTURY. Plate X 351 352 ^^^e^y 617 ."^ /^ 639 ^ >VC/ 566 478 ^5^ / J 642 619 644 648 660 655 ,^s. 659 484 552 € 680 561 SIGNET RINGS: i6th CENTURY AND LATER. Plate XI ^^ ^^ d^i 706 684 924 692 948 788 928 770 757 748 756 766 705 789 792 Q 774 785 712 701 DEVOTIONAL AND INSCRIBED RINGS: MEDIAEVAL AND LATER. Plate XII 845 838 844 843 852 850 833 834 832 842 PAPAL RINGS. Plate XIII -A \. "' N;..»--- -S 849 841 846 848 840 836 853 854 PAPAL RINGS. Plate XIV 859 860 PAPAL RINGS. Plate XV '. A i^timLl 887 905 867 ILifl 885 869 892 891 866 ^^^y c^^ 879 878 876 ^ '<^J Sf ' 863 864 895 877 AMULET RINGS: MEDLEVAL AND LATER. Plate XVI

o 1358 1383 1381 1387 1409 ki 9 1379 1390 1401 1408 1394 1377 1405 1395 1407 1406 1404 1385 1412 1392 PORTRAIT RINGS. Plate XXI 813 1448 1450 814 821 812 Cm^ f 1453 823 1529 1482 '^ 1479 1539 .V2i 825 1523 % 3^ ^ CD 1545 1433 1435 <;;> Q o Q 1614 1603 1505 MEMENTO MORI AND MOURNING RINGS: 17™ and i8tii CENTURIES Plate XXII 1586 1618 1583 1644 1651 1590 1580 1654 1397 1642 1592 1553 1647 ?5 1440 1446 1594 1668 1665 1437 1438 MOURNING RINGS: iSiii AND EARLY iqtii CENTURIES. Plate XXIII 1693 Hi 1697 1676 1695 p. *4r 1698 1. ' 1701 1705 1703 1704 1707 1708 1699 v'^"^ 1689 1678 1677 1679 FANCY RINGS; SERJEANTS' RINGS. Plate XXIV (^ 1751 <^^ 1770 1782 C5 ^Jp^ ^^ ^^ 1778 '^^' 1830 1834 1777 1828 1753 1743 1849 MEDIiEVAL GEM-RINGS. Plate XXV <^

^^ 2300 2280 2297 2281 2349 2276 ORIENTAL RINGS. Plate XXX 2395 2432 \^ '^ 2394 2422 ^ c ; 2382 V\ ^1 2383 2400 2396 2430 2433 2451 2432 2446 2450 2449 2441 ORIENTAL RINGS. I iniversitv of California SOUTHERN SoV L-BRABY FACIUTY^ 4;; ■■• ■>" :-'.,:::K' , ■''■■■■'SIH . .. ^^■<"^■:Q.i'>?^ ,; ,;/■;.■ :.,^:-i:,;f; a. ysm^