Silver-gilt, 5.49 grams, 24.71 mm overall (approximate size British Y, USA 12, Europe 27.51, Japan 26). Circa 13th-15th century AD. A silver finger ring with plain hoop expanding to triangular shoulders with stamped decoration: close to the bezel, two quatrefoils above an incised cross, below this another quatrefoil and a chevron. The bezel is soldered to the front face of the hoop, formed as a cast human mask with long hair and beard. The remains of heavy gilding are visible on the bezel and shoulders. The collocation of cross symbols and the dishevelled human head may recall John the Baptist, whose head was famously cut off at the instigation of Salome, the stepdaughter of King Herod. Reference: cf. similar profiles in Oman, C.C. Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogue of Rings 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993 plate XXII. Very fine condition, complete. Provenance: from an old English collection.