Rights Holder: York Museums Trust
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Unique ID: YORYM-C2732F
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
TREASURE CASE : 2016 T208.
A complete gold posy ring of post-medieval date. The posy ring is circular in plan with a D-shaped section. A join mark is evident on the hoop and the exterior surface is undecorated. The interior surface of the ring is inscribed with capitalised text reading "I. LYKE . MI . CHOVS . TO . WEL . TO . CHANG". No makers mark is present.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 23.9mm; Width: 5.4mm; Thickness: 1.8mm; Weight: 9.26g.
Discussion:
The practice of giving rings engraved with mottoes at betrothals or weddings was common in England from the sixteenth century onwards, and continued until the late eighteenth century. Posy rings could, however be given on many other occasions as a token of friendship or loyalty. They could also contain religious and memorial inscriptions.
A posy ring with a similar inscription though in a different style of text is recorded on the British Museum database, registration number: 1961,1202.31 and is dated to the 17th to 18th century. The capital letters on the subject ring suggest an earlier date.
Conclusion:
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.
Inscription:
I. LYKE . MI . CHOVS . TO . WEL . TO . CHANG
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2016T208
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1500
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Quantity: 1
Width: 5.4 mm
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Weight: 9.26 g
Diameter: 23.9 mm
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Other reference: YMT : E04750
Treasure case number: 2016T208
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.