Detectorists gold rings sell well at Noonan’s auction

September 16, 2022September 23, 2022 Paul

Detectorists gold rings sell well at Noonan’s auction

On 13 September 2022 Noonans had an auction of Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu. Amongst the lots are several detecting finds; all of these can be seen below. Apart from the Lot 101, an erotic ring of uncertain age, the gold rings sold well.

To view any of my selected lots in the auction catalogue click on the lot number. The full catalogue can be found here.

There is a buyer’s premium of 24% (plus VAT) on the hammer price.

Featured lot

Photo: © Noonans

Medieval gold ring depicting The Holy Trinity

Estimate: £4,000 – £5,000

Hammer: £6500

This iconographic gold ring was found in August 2020 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and recorded at the PAS as SWYOR-4E1B92. It has been dated to the 15th century.

PAS SWYOR-4E1B92. 16 silver coins found with the ring.
Photo: West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service CC By SA2.0

The ring was found with 16 silver coins and they were deemed to be treasure and disclaimed. The coins are being offered in Noonans coin auction on 28 September 2022.

All but one of the coins is Edward IV and the latest dates to 1473 – 1477, giving the deposition date as after 1473 and probably in the later years of the 15th century.

Imagery

The ring has Christ, on the cross, with God above. The cross-hatching marks around Christ could be wings to represent the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove; this is the most usual representation of the Holy Spirit at the time. On each shoulder are six droplets, which could be either blood from Christ’s wounds or his tears.

Other detecting finds

Photo: © Noonans

The Roxeswelle Pilgrim’s Ring

This ring was found on 27 October 2019 at Roxwell near Chelmsford, Essex and recorded at the PAS as ESS-B1E831 and was later disclaimed as treasure. The bezel is inscribed “ihc” for Jesus. The band has the inscription “en/bo/en/an”, “a good year”, suggesting that it may have been a New Year’s gift.

Estimate: £4,000 – £5,000

Hammer: £6500

Photo: © Noonans

Medieval gold posy ring

This 15th century ring was found on 6 September 2020 at Burlescombe, Devon and recorded at the PAS as DEV-1E0134; later disclaimed as treasure. The inscription reads “MIEU EN VOU”, maybe Best in/on you, on the outside and “A BON AM” for For good love on the inside.

Estimate: £3,000 – £4,000

Hammer: £5500

Photo: © Noonans

The Boxley Abbey Ring

This gold and garnet ring was found near Boxley Abbey, Kent on 12 January 2019 and recorded at the PAS as KENT-08FE44; later disclaimed as treasure. It has been dated to c. 1600.

Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000

Hammer: £5000

15th century reliquary cross pendant

Found in November 2017 at Ickburgh, Norfolk and recorded at the PAS as NMS-5B2191. It depicts Christ on the cross with INRI scroll above and flanked by the Virgin Mary and St John.

Estimate: £300 – £400

Hammer: £300

Gold erotic ring

Found on 1st January 1990 at Chalgrove, Oxfordshire and recorded at the PAS as BUC-F64034. It depicts a man like figure having sex with a donkey. Given the style, subject and workmanship it has been difficult to date the find and the PAS had suggested a date range of AD 43 – 1900. The purity of the gold has since been determined as 22.5 carat and so it cannot be Roman or Medieval. The auctioneer suggests 17th – 18th century, perhaps from the Grand Tour.

Estimate: £1,000 – £1,200