Auction Catalogue

17 March 2020

Starting at 1:00 PM

.

Jewellery, Watches, Antiquities and Objects of Vertu

Live Online Auction

Download Images

Lot

№ 285

.

17 March 2020

Hammer Price:
£2,600

A late 16th century signet ring with griffin crest, the octagonal bezel bearing the crest of a griffin rampant, within a beaded border, to tapered shoulders and a flat band, with stamped maker’s mark to the underside of the bezel, possibly ‘IY’, ring size P-Q. £800-£1,200

The provenance of this ring is unknown, being purchased by the vendor’s late grandmother in the mid 20th century.

The
griffin is a mythical creature with the body, tail and back legs of a lion and the head, talons and wings of an eagle. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. According to classical legend, griffins were known for guarding treasures and became a popular symbol in medieval heraldry.