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Post Medieval Sergeant-at-Law ring 'Long Live the King and the Law' Gold Ring

$32,884
£24,000
€27,994.71
CA$45,042.86
A$50,097.49
CHF 26,159.35
MX$609,633.17
NOK 334,094.86
SEK 313,322.03
DKK 208,935.23
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About the Item

Post Medieval Sergeant-at-Law ring 'Long Live the King and the Law'. A wide yellow gold ring, engraved to the exterior '+VIVAT*REX*ET*LEX' translated from Latin as 'Long live the King and the Law', decorated with carved linear borders, floral motifs and incised dots, approximately 8mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 4.0g in weight, circa 17th century, accompanied by an Oxford Labs X-ray fluorescence report stating the composition of the metal. UK finger size S. See British Museum acquisition number 1973,0703.1 for a ring bearing the same phrase and comparable design. Dating back as early as 14th century the term Sergeant-at-Law or simply Sergeant was used to describe lawyers or law makers. It is thought that the concept of Sergeants descended from Norman Conteurs which were in place before any laws were officially formed. By the 16th century they were recognised as an exclusive group of lawyers which dealt primarily with cases in the central Common Law Courts. Often rings were presented to newly appointed Sergeants or presented by a Sergeant to various officials, clerics or friends. Each would bear a motto chosen by the Sergeant engraved to the exterior of the ring. This practice was popular from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Please note shipping to the United States of America requires the purchaser to fill out a CBP 5106 customs form before the item is shipped. This form is a legal requirement for any item over $2,000 which is being imported into the United States. One of the details the form requests is the purchaser’s social security number or importer’s number.
  • Ring Size:
    9 US, Not Resizable
  • Metal:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 17th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 263411stDibs: LU1862497373

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