Ancient Jewellery and Antiquties
A late 16th century signet ring with griffin crest, the octagonal bezel bearing the crest of a griffin rampant, within a beaded border, to tapered shoulders and a flat band, with stamped maker’s mark to the underside of the bezel, possibly ‘IY’, ring size P-Q. £800-£1,200
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The provenance of this ring is unknown, being purchased by the vendor’s late grandmother in the mid 20th century.
The griffin is a mythical creature with the body, tail and back legs of a lion and the head, talons and wings of an eagle. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. According to classical legend, griffins were known for guarding treasures and became a popular symbol in medieval heraldry.
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For more information, additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
Condition Report: The bezel is slightly bent to one corner, and the beaded border is slightly squashed and stretched in places. The centre has some prominent scuffing to the surface, but the griffin detail is fairly crisp and The shoulders and shank show surface wear and the shank has been previously squashed, with a few kinks remaining. Bezel measures approximately 13.5 x 12mm. Gross weight 4.3gm.
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A late 16th century signet ring with griffin crest, the octagonal bezel bearing the crest of a griffin rampant, within a beaded border, to tapered shoulders and a flat band, with stamped maker’s mark to the underside of the bezel, possibly ‘IY’, ring size P-Q. £800-£1,200
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The provenance of this ring is unknown, being purchased by the vendor’s late grandmother in the mid 20th century.
The griffin is a mythical creature with the body, tail and back legs of a lion and the head, talons and wings of an eagle. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. According to classical legend, griffins were known for guarding treasures and became a popular symbol in medieval heraldry.
------
For more information, additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneers website, www.dnw.co.uk
Condition Report: The bezel is slightly bent to one corner, and the beaded border is slightly squashed and stretched in places. The centre has some prominent scuffing to the surface, but the griffin detail is fairly crisp and The shoulders and shank show surface wear and the shank has been previously squashed, with a few kinks remaining. Bezel measures approximately 13.5 x 12mm. Gross weight 4.3gm.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
