17th-18th century AD. A gold D-section annular band, the outer face engraved with a frieze of floral and foliate forms and a stylised skull, highlighted in niello, the inner hoop inscribed: 'A true frends remembrance', and a capital letter 'R' in a shield. Cf. The Portable Antiquities Scheme Database, id. KENT-6C2FB6 and NMGW-4AB918, forparable inscriptions and styles; cf. id. GLO-82D866, for a ring with similar inscription and stamped 'R', dated 1650-1750, and GLO-5321BC, dated 1650-1700; cf. The British Meum, meum number AF.1342, for this mark on a 17th-18th century ring, the mark believed unidentifiable in standard works of reference. 1.93 grams, 19.10mm overall, 16.95mm internal diameter (approximate size British M 1/2, A 6 1/4, Europe 13.09, Japan 12) (3/4"). UK antiques market between 1974-1985. From the Albert Ward collection (part 2), Essex, UK. The traditional practice of bequeathing rings belonging to the deceased to the family and friends they left behind was gradually replaced in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it became preferable for the deceased to leave a sum of money with which memorial,memorative or mourning rings could be purchased. In the later part of the 17th century, such rings were distributed at funeral services, where they were worn in memory of the deceased. Memento mori inscriptions and popular devices such as skulls, crossbones and hourglasses became fashionable on jewellery and in print, prompting the reader or viewer to ponder the brevity of life and the necessity of preparing the soul for death. [No Reserve]