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FINGER RING
Unique ID: YORYM-FB19DC
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
TREASURE CASE : 2017 T538
Description:
A complete though distorted gold posy ring of Post-Medieval date, c.1600 - 1700. The posy ring is sub-circular in plan with a D-shaped section. No join mark is evident on the hoop and the exterior surface is undecorated. The interior surface of the ring is inscribed with italicised text reading "My hart I binde wher faith I finde". No makers mark is present.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 22.5mm; Width: 4.4mm; Thickness: 1.5mm; Weight: 3.7g.
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 version of this posy is recorded by Dame Joan Evans (1931: 78) as 'My heart I bynd wher tru loue I find' though the manuscript that contains it does not date the source.
The style of writing on this ring is consistent with a 17th century 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.
Reference: Evans, J. 1931. English Posies and Posy Rings. London: Oxford University Press
Author and title:
Rebecca Griffiths
FLO for North and East Yorkshire
Date: 14th June 2017
Inscription:
My hart I binde wher faith I finde
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2017T538
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Width: 4.4 mm
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Weight: 3.7 g
Diameter: 22.5 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 3rd May 2017
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: YMT : E05330
Treasure case number: 2017T538
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: East Riding of Yorkshire (Unitary Authority)
District: East Riding of Yorkshire (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Everingham
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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