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FINGER RING
Unique ID: YORYM-1CCEC8
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
TREASURE CASE : 2017 T983.
A complete gold posy ring of Post-Medieval date, c.AD 1650 - 1725. The posy ring is circular in plan with a D-shaped section. The outer surface bears moulded floral and foliate decoration. The interior surface of the ring is inscribed with italicized text reading "As a flower soe is man". A makers mark is present at the end of the text featuring an indistinct symbol or letter within a shield.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 19.9mm; Width: 3.6mm; Thickness: 1.4mm; Weight: 3.4g.
Discussion:
The posy on this ring expresses a recurring Biblical theme on the mortality of humans and the impermanence of their deeds. See 1 Peter 1:24 "All flesh is like grass, and its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall" or Psalm 103:15 "Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers we bloom and die". In this sense, then, the ring is a memento mori.
A number of similar rings have been reported under the Treasure Act; see for instance 2006 T523 (PAS-B8CB06) which is a memento mori ring with and engraved, floral-patterned exterior.
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:
As a flower soe is man
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2017T983
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1650
Date to: Circa AD 1725
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Width: 3.6 mm
Thickness: 1.4 mm
Weight: 3.4 g
Diameter: 19.9 mm
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: YMT : E05537
Treasure case number: 2017T983
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Yorkshire (County)
District: Hambleton (District)
Parish or ward: Brandsby-cum-Stearsby (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SE5971
Four figure Latitude: 54.13147193
Four figure longitude: -1.09858035
1:25K map: SE5971
1:10K map: SE57SE
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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Timeline of associated dates
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