This unusual intaglio signet ring is crafted from bronze and dates from the 16th century. The engraving depicts and early heraldic style seal, possibly made for someone lacking nobility and thus an official coat of arms. It might have been similar to a merchants mark, used to mark goods for those not entitled to a coat of arms. The emblem is engraved so that when pressed against wax, it would leave a unique seal to identify the owner, something that would have been particularly important when marking goods in order to settle disputes over ownership if those goods had gone astray through theft, shipwreck or piracy.

UK size V 1/2, 6.72g, bezel measures 18mm x 16mm