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Finger Ring Collection
Browse Collection
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Italy
15th century
Silver signet ring, the octagonal bezel cut with a deep horseshoe and central rose, above, black letters m and b, corded border
19.96 mm internal ring diameter; 19.89 g weight
Found in the Tiber and bought in Rome, 1880
Presented by Dr C.D.E. Fortnum in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897; WA1897.CDEF.F756
Taylor & Scarisbrick, Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the present day, 1978, no. 320
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
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