Finger Ring Collection
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England
Dated 1620
Brass signet ring, the bezel engraved with a ship in full sail above the date 1620 and with a beaded border
17.53 mm internal ring diameter; 7.71 g weight
Given to Fortnum by Mrs F.W. Hope
Presented by Dr C.D.E. Fortnum in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897; WA1897.CDEF.F603
Taylor and Scarisbrick, Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the present day, 1978, no. 748
Signet ring: The signet ring has been used to seal business and legal documents since Egyptian times. A variety of devices were employed to distinguish the owner of each seal. From the early 14th century, heraldic shields were in use in Italy, England and France for those entitled to them. In the 15th century a badge and motto was preferred. Merchants or craftsmen who did not bear a coat of arms would use a merchant