Post Medieval Sergeant-at-Law ring 'Long Live the King and the Law'. A wide yellow gold ring, engraved to the exterior '+VIVAT*REX*ET*LEX' translated from Latin as 'Long live the King and the Law', decorated with carved linear borders, floral motifs and incised dots, approximately 8mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 4.0 grams in weight, circa 17th century, accompanied by an Oxford Labs X-ray fluorescence report stating the composition of the metal.
See British Museum acquisition number 1973,0703.1 for a ring bearing a similar phrase.
Dating back as early as 14th century the term Sergeant-at-Law or simply Sergeant was used to describe lawyers or law makers. It is thought that the concept of Sergeants descended from Norman Conteurs which were in place before any laws were officially formed. By the 16th century they were recognised as an exclusive group of lawyers which dealt primarily with cases in the central Common Law Courts. Often rings were presented to newly appointed Sergeants or presented by a Sergeant to various officials, clerics or friends. Each would bear a motto chosen by the Sergeant engraved to the exterior of the ring. This practice was popular from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
Next day delivery
Tuesday to Saturday before 1pm – order by 4:30pm
Complimentary
Nominated day delivery
Tuesday to Saturday
Complimentary
Same Day Delivery within London
Monday to Saturday – order by 3:30pm
£100
International delivery
USA
1-3 business days – inclusive of import taxes and duties
Complimentary
Europe and Rest of World
1-3 business days – inclusive of import taxes and duties
Complimentary
Returns
If upon receiving your piece, it is not to your liking, we offer complimentary returns within 14 days for all unseen purchases on both UK and International orders. Simply let us know, and package up your piece, and you will be sent a return shipping label.
Post Medieval Sergeant-at-Law ring 'Long Live the King and the Law', circa 17th century
Post Medieval Sergeant-at-Law ring 'Long Live the King and the Law'. A wide yellow gold ring, engraved to the exterior '+VIVAT*REX*ET*LEX' translated from Latin as 'Long live the King and the Law', decorated with carved linear borders, floral motifs and incised dots, approximately 8mm in width. Tested yellow gold, approximately 4.0 grams in weight, circa 17th century, accompanied by an Oxford Labs X-ray fluorescence report stating the composition of the metal.
See British Museum acquisition number 1973,0703.1 for a ring bearing a similar phrase.
Dating back as early as 14th century the term Sergeant-at-Law or simply Sergeant was used to describe lawyers or law makers. It is thought that the concept of Sergeants descended from Norman Conteurs which were in place before any laws were officially formed. By the 16th century they were recognised as an exclusive group of lawyers which dealt primarily with cases in the central Common Law Courts. Often rings were presented to newly appointed Sergeants or presented by a Sergeant to various officials, clerics or friends. Each would bear a motto chosen by the Sergeant engraved to the exterior of the ring. This practice was popular from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
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