Gold serjeant's ring inscribed 'Lex est arma regum'. English, 1555.

Gold hoop with inscription framed by moulded edges, reading 'Lex est arma regum' in capital letters separated by a cross and small stars. The surface of the inner hoop bears light scratches.

Given by Dame Joan Evans

Most of the V&A's collection of serjeants' rings were presented by Dame Joan Evans, the majority of these were from the collection of her father, Sir John Evans. This ring was bought by Sir John Evans at Sotheby's (June 24, 1898 -lot 359).

Historical significance: From at least the fifteenth century, candidates called to be admitted to the ranks of Serjeants-at-Law (from whom judges were appointed) were required to present rings bearing an appropriate legal or patriotic motto to the monarch and various dignitaries. They frequently also gave further rings as souvenirs to their friends. The practice came to an end when the office was abolished by the Judicature Act of 1875. New mottoes were chosen at each call; the rings differing in value according to the rank of their recipients. The rings were generally gold with a suitable motto inscribed around the outer hoop although some early examples appear to have been enamelled.
The custom of giving rings is described by Sir John Fortescue around 1470 in 'De Laudibus Legum Angliae' as follows: all serjeants at their appointment "shall give rings of gold to the value of forty pounds at the least, and your Chancellor well remembreth that at the time he received this state and degree, the rings which he then gave stood him in fifty pounds" (De Laudibus Legum Angliae c.59). A full description of the investiture ceremonies and a list of mottoes up to 1765 was given by Mr Serjeant Wynne in Observations touching the Antiquity and Dignity of Serjeants at Law, 1765.
This ring dates from the general call of 1555 and was made by Nicholas Deering (information given by Dr J.H. Baker to Claude Blair in 1976, from annotation in register).

Supplied by Nicholas Deering. Unmarked.

From at least the fifteenth century, candidates called to be admitted to the ranks of Serjeants-at-Law (from whom judges were appointed) were required to present rings bearing a suitable motto to the monarch and various dignitaries. They frequently also gave further rings as souvenirs to their friends. The practice came to an end when the office was abolished by the Judicature Act of 1875. New mottoes were chosen at each call; the rings differing in value according to the rank of their recipients. The rings were generally gold with a suitable motto inscribed around the outer hoop although some early examples appear to have been enamelled.

This ring is inscribed 'Lex est Arma Regum' (Law is the armour of kings) and made for the general call of 1555. It is believed to have been made by the goldsmith Nicholas Deering.

M.54-1960