FINGER RING

Description: A post-medieval gold signet or seal ring dating to the period circa 1600-1650. The bezel is large, flat and oval. The setting is inscribed with the capital letters G and L set in between three candlesticks. The central candlestick is larger than its flanking candlesticks. All the candlesticks are stylistically the same, depicting a flat base, two large collars and five smaller collars and a socket, which holds the candle. There is a punched border around the design. The hoop is bent out of shape. The tapering shoulders of the hoop, D-shaped in cross-section, are decorated with floral motifs.

Dimensions: Diameter: 29.3mm. Width: 16.7mm. Hoop thickness: 2.9mm. Length from bezel to hoop: 28.2mm. Internal diameter: 24.2mm. Bezel diameter: 20.4mm. Weight 17.90g.

Discussion: The use of capital letters, and the heavy design of the ring, indicates a dating of roughly 1600-1650. Other gold signet/seal rings of this date are found on the PAS database, for example 2014 T520 (DOR-2334D9), dated around 1600-1700.

The candlestick design on the bezel does not appear to be from a coat of arms, but was presumably a personal device used by the owner. The ring was found approximately 150m from Casterne Hall, and the owner, Mr Charles Hurt, reports 'In 1670 my direct ancestors Nicholas Hurt and Elizabeth Lowe married, linking the estates of Casterne and Alderwasley in Derbyshire. The Lowes and their ancestors had been given Alderwasley by the King in the 13th Century. So one obvious candidate for the 'L' on the ring is Lowe. A son of Thomas Lowe of Alderwasley (d. 1415) was Geoffrey Lowe (d. 1451) but he would have been too early for the ring.'

Conclusion: As this object is made of more than 10% precious metal and is over 300 years old, it constitutes potential Treasure under the Treasure Act 1996.

Author: Phil Hughes, PAS Finds Liaison Assistant

Additional comments: Ian Richardson, Treasure Registrar, British Museum