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Signet ring

England

17th century

Gold signet ring, the oval bezel with central panel turning on a pivot at each end, on the reverse a white enamel skull with a plain border and black inscription MEMENTO MORI, the face of the bezel bears a shield of the arms of Harman of Rundlesham and Milford, Suffolk.

17.53 mm internal ring diameter; 9.59 g weight

Presented by Dr C.D.E. Fortnum in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897; WA1897.CDEF.F643

Scarisbrick and Henig, Finger Rings, 2003, pl. 22.5

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 14^th century, heraldic shields were in use in Italy, England and France for those entitled to them. In the 15^th century a badge and motto was preferred. Merchants or craftsmen who did not bear a coat of arms would use a merchant