16th century AD. A large gold ring, most probably of English workman, with circular band splaying out to raised acanth ornamented shoulders and thence to an oval bezel with pelletted border bearing an ince and reversed design of an entwined vine or knot with star below between the letters 'F L' all set on a shield background with scrolls to spandrels at sides and above. Cf. Dalton, O. M., Franks Bequest Catalogue of the Finger Rings, British Meum, London, 1912, no.589, for similar bezel design and no.299 for similar shoulder ornament, both dated to 16th century AD; see also Oman, Charles, British Rings, 800-1914, London, 1974, pl.44, B and E, for similar bezel designs. 12.48 grams, 27.59mm overall, 17.40mm internal diameter (approximate size British N 1/2, A 6 3/4, Europe 14.35, Japan 13) (1"). A family heirloom acquired by the owner's father-in-law before 1950. Ex Rogers collection, Suffolk, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is apanied by AIAD certificate number no.11081-182429. This signet ring would have been the property of a wealthy member of the merchant class and bears his initials; such rings provided their owner with both a signet to seal or counterseal documents and served to publicly broadcast show their wealth and stat.[A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions .]