Jewellery, Objects of Vertu, Silver and Watches

A late 16th - early 17th century recusant ‘death head’ memento mori ring, the octagonal shaped bezel centred with a white enamel skull against black enamel ground (a/f), the interior of the band inscribed in italic script ‘Oremus pro fidelibus defunctis’, ring size M, weight 3.5gm. £600-£800

This ring was discovered by a metal detectorist at North Waltham, near Overton, in the early 1990s.

‘Oremus pro fidelibus defuntis’ translates from Latin as ‘Let us pray for the faithful departed’.
This invocation is common to Catholic liturgy, including the Litany of the Saints and burial services, to petition for the souls of the deceased.
This prayer requires the response: ‘Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis’ (’Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them’).



For similar rings see:
Scarisbrick, D., Rings, symbols of Wealth, Power and Affection, p. 69.
Victoria & Albert Museum, M.25-1960.
Portrait of Richard Harford of Bosbury, by Hans Eworth, 1567, sold at Christie’s, Old Master Paintings and Sculpture, 1 May 2019, lot 234.

The white enamel of the skull is badly worn and with significant loss across the centre; the black enamel surround comprises traces only. The gold shows general surface wear. The inscription within is in an attractive italics script and remains clear and legible. Bezel width 9.5mm. Weight 3.5gm.
According to a PMI test on the XRF Analyzer, the ring is testing as 20.41ct gold, with traces of silver, copper, lead, iron, bismuth, etc.