Post Medieval Gold Heraldic Signet Ring with the Arms of the Friars of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy
15th-16th century A.D. or later. A broad flat hoop with three raised bands to outer face to which is affixed a shield-shaped bezel engraved with 'party per fess, a croix pattée and paly' being the arms of the Order; possibly of Spanish manufacture.
7.79 grams, 22.13 mm overall, 19.72 mm internal diameter (approximate size British S, USA 9, Europe 20, Japan 19) (7/8 in.).
From a 1990s private collection.Property of a European gentleman.Accompanied by information on the history of the Order.This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11908-205634. This Order, sometimes known as the Mercedarians, was founded by Saint Peter Nolasco in 1218 A.D. in Barcelona and still exists today as an international community of priests and brothers who generally follow the monastic Rule of St Augustine; the Order originally sought to save or ransom Christian prisoners of the Moors and other followers of Islam, extending firstly from Moorish Spain and on eastwards, across north Africa and to the Saracen Holy Land, even going so far as the members of the Order specifically taking a Fourth Vow to offer themselves or their lives up to save a Christian captive who is in danger of losing their faith. This gold ring, showing the arms of the Order, would have been owned and worn by a senior member or office-holder.
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