FINGER RING

Treasure Case 2011 T877 Post Medieval gold finger ring

Date: 17^th Century.

Description: Post-Medieval gold posy ring. Exterior decorated with band of foliage. Black enamel remains in place with a small trace of white enamel remains and possibly other colours. The inner band is inscribed, with black enamel remaining in most of the lettering. The inscription reads: If this then mee followed by the letter M

Discussion: The small size indicates that this was worn by a young woman. See British Museum collections for comparison to inscription ('+ IF THIS THEN ME I P', AF.1286, plain band posy ring dated 16^th - 17^th Century). This comparison suggests that the letter M indicates the giver of the ring.

Dimensions: Diameter: 14.22mm Band Width: 3.02mm Thickness: 1.11mm Weight: 1.4g

Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Disposition: Colchester & Ipswich Museum service are provisionally interested in acquiring, pending Inquest and Valuation.

Report by: Caroline Barton, The British Museum