Signet Ring
late 15th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Rings are the most commonly surviving medieval jewels. They were worn by both sexes, across all levels of society. Some portraits show wearers with multiple rings across all their fingers. Although rings were worn for decoration, they also had important practical functions. Signet rings such as this one were pressed into sealing wax to create a unique, legally recognised signature.
Signets could be engraved with a coat of arms for those entitled to bear them, with a personal device or simply with an initial letter. Brass or bronze signet rings were a cheaper alternative to gold or silver.
Signets could be engraved with a coat of arms for those entitled to bear them, with a personal device or simply with an initial letter. Brass or bronze signet rings were a cheaper alternative to gold or silver.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Engraved brass, formerly gilt |
| Brief description | Brass signet ring, formerly gilt with an octagonal bezel inscribed N.S. over a tournament shield , Italy, late 15th century |
| Physical description | Brass signet ring, formerly gilt with an octagonal bezel inscribed N.S. over a tournament shield |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | inscribed N.S. over a tournament shield Note The arms appear to be those of the Counts Spreti, Italy and Bavaria |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Miss E. M. Begg |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Rings are the most commonly surviving medieval jewels. They were worn by both sexes, across all levels of society. Some portraits show wearers with multiple rings across all their fingers. Although rings were worn for decoration, they also had important practical functions. Signet rings such as this one were pressed into sealing wax to create a unique, legally recognised signature. Signets could be engraved with a coat of arms for those entitled to bear them, with a personal device or simply with an initial letter. Brass or bronze signet rings were a cheaper alternative to gold or silver. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.341-1975 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | February 14, 2006 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
