Posy Ring with inscription Let uartu be gide to the
Posy Ring, "Let uartu be gide to the"
, 17th century
Posy Ring, "Let uartu be gide to the"
Description
Bands such as this one are called posy rings because the inscriptions or mottoes are known as "posies," from the French word for poem - poésie. Recalling Shakespearean verse, these mottos often rhymed to express feelings of love, friendship, fidelity, faith, etc. They were inscribed on the interior of the bands so that only the wearer (and giver) would know what was written. Some, like this one, have very personalized verses.
Medium hoop, with rounded exterior and flat interior. Italic inscription reads: "Let uartu be gide to the." A maker's mar, CB (or LB?) appears on the interior and four smaller later, unidentifiable symbols have been added next to it. The ring appears to have been sized in the past, but is in otherwise very good condition.
Literature:
See Evans (1931, pp. 68-69) and British Museum AF.1320 for variations on this verse. The maker's mark appears to be that of British Museum 1961, 1202.388 - two conjoined circles each containing a letter. Further information on English goldsmiths may be found on the Goldsmith's Company Database.
