Silver gilt, 2.03 grams, 21.14 mm ext.dia. 15th century AD. The fede or 'clasped hands' motif has been used as a symbol of fidelity and matrimonal union since late Roman times in Europe, but was popularised in the 12th century and remained in common use until the 17th. The present example has the fede for its bezel, flanked by two transverse ribbed cuffs. The rest of the band is plain and the internal face is blank. Reference: Oman. C. British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974, p.38-9 and pl.54. Extremely fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection formed before 1950.