Silver, 7.56 grams, 25.80 mm. 14th-16th century AD. The ring is cast with a D-section loop rising and expanding to an elongated octagonal bezel. The signet matrix design incorporates the majuscule letters 'I' and 'B' surmounted by a coronet. Signet rings were used in mediaeval times for the sealing and authentication of commercial documents and private communications; silver examples are usually among the better designed and executed, being used by merchants, minor nobility and landowners. Reference: Oman, C. British Rings 800-1914, London, 1974, p.30. Good very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection, found Continental Europe. This item is accompanied by an XRF ancient metal test certificate from Oxford X-ray Fluorescence Ltd.