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Unique ID: BERK-86F3F5
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
A complete gold 'posy' or poem finger ring of post-medieval date. The finger ring has a D-shaped cross section and a plain outer band. Internally is an inscritpion in cursive script which reads 'Let Love Ind'ure' (SIC). There is no maker's mark and due to this fact it is not possible to confirm that this ring is more than 300 years old, as finger rings with similar cursive script are dated from c. 1650 - 1750 AD.
The legend 'Let Love Indure' could not be immediately paralleled however a similar legend reading 'As gold is pure let love indure' is recorded in Humphreys (1902) A Garland of Love; a collection of posy-ring mottoes and is probably of 18th century date.
As this finger ring cannot be securely datde to pre-1717 AD, it falls outside the provisions of the Treasure Act 1996.
The practice of giving rings engraved with mottoes at betrothals or weddings was common in England from the sixteenth century and continued until the late eighteenth century. Posy rings could, however be given on many other occasions as a token of friendship or loyalty. Posy rings could also contain religious and memorial inscriptions. The inscription is generally found on the interior of the ring, hidden to everyone except the wearer and most of the sentimental mottoes were taken from popular literature of the time.
Notes:
Many thanks to the finder for providing the images.
Current location of find: With finder
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1650
Date to: Circa AD 1750
Quantity: 1
Width: 27 mm
Weight: 8 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 11th June 2017
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Other reference: 2017.141
4 Figure: SP5520
Four figure Latitude: 51.87586527
Four figure longitude: -1.20247228
1:25K map: SP5520
1:10K map: SP52SE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
No references cited so far.