Duhamel Family Medieval Signet
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A rare medieval silver signet ring, attributed to the noble French Duhamel family and dating to the late 15th century, circa 1480. The ring bears a octagonal-shaped bezel engraved with a coat of arms intaglio for use as a personal seal, featuring the initial “L”, flanked by stars and surmounted by a heart. A rare fede (faith) motif with with clasped hands is engraved on the shoulders.The presence of the fede motif is highly unusual in signet rings: while fede rings (two clasped hands symbolising fidelity) are well-documented in medieval jewellery, its integration into a heraldic signet of this type (particularly on the sides of the ring) is exceptionally rare and arguably unique, making this a museum-worthy example.Heraldry and Family ContextThe Duhamel family originated in Normandy and Picardy, deriving their name from the Old French hamel (“hamlet”). By the 15th century, branches of the family held lands in Brittany, Artois, and Champagne, and were raised to noble status, including the Counts of Hamel. Surviving heraldic records show various coat of arms configurations of two stars (étoiles) combined with other charges. The engraving here - a heart flanked by two stars with the initial “L” - appears to have been a personal device, possibly for a Louis, Laurent, or Lambert (common names of the period beginning with L) Duhamel, active c.1480.The star was a common Christological symbol in medieval seals, while the heart may represent fidelity or divine love. Combined with the fede hands on the shoulders, the design suggests this was not only a sign of identity but also a powerful emblem of faith and loyalty.Details
- Date: c.1480
- Origin: France, probably Normandy or Picardy
- Material: Solid silver
- Construction: Octagonal bezel, 14 × 12 mm; band 6 mm; finger size UK V / US 10.5 (large)
- Condition: Aged patina; some cracks to the band consistent with use and age; could be stabilised by a jeweller if desired
Context and ParallelsThis ring would have served as a personal signet, pressed into hot wax to seal letters, legal documents, and deeds. Such seals provided a secure and legally recognised form of authentication. Comparable medieval signet rings are preserved in the British Museum (AF.594, AF.697), the Victoria & Albert Museum (M.253-1962, 779-1871, 1374-1903 and 142-1907), as well as the famed Alice and Louis Koch Collection housed in the Swiss National Museum (nos. 599, 610, 607, 613); see final photo for examples.
A rare medieval silver signet ring, attributed to the noble French Duhamel family and dating to the late 15th century, circa 1480. The ring bears a octagonal-shaped bezel engraved with a coat of arms intaglio for use as a personal seal, featuring the initial “L”, flanked by stars and surmounted by a heart. A rare fede (faith) motif with with clasped hands is engraved on the shoulders.
The presence of the fede motif is highly unusual in signet rings: while fede rings (two clasped hands symbolising fidelity) are well-documented in medieval jewellery, its integration into a heraldic signet of this type (particularly on the sides of the ring) is exceptionally rare and arguably unique, making this a museum-worthy example.
Heraldry and Family Context
The Duhamel family originated in Normandy and Picardy, deriving their name from the Old French hamel (“hamlet”). By the 15th century, branches of the family held lands in Brittany, Artois, and Champagne, and were raised to noble status, including the Counts of Hamel. Surviving heraldic records show various coat of arms configurations of two stars (étoiles) combined with other charges. The engraving here - a heart flanked by two stars with the initial “L” - appears to have been a personal device, possibly for a Louis, Laurent, or Lambert (common names of the period beginning with L) Duhamel, active c.1480.
The star was a common Christological symbol in medieval seals, while the heart may represent fidelity or divine love. Combined with the fede hands on the shoulders, the design suggests this was not only a sign of identity but also a powerful emblem of faith and loyalty.
Details
- Date: c.1480
- Origin: France, probably Normandy or Picardy
- Material: Solid silver
- Construction: Octagonal bezel, 14 × 12 mm; band 6 mm; finger size UK V / US 10.5 (large)
- Condition: Aged patina; some cracks to the band consistent with use and age; could be stabilised by a jeweller if desired
Context and Parallels
This ring would have served as a personal signet, pressed into hot wax to seal letters, legal documents, and deeds. Such seals provided a secure and legally recognised form of authentication. Comparable medieval signet rings are preserved in the British Museum (AF.594, AF.697), the Victoria & Albert Museum (M.253-1962, 779-1871, 1374-1903 and 142-1907), as well as the famed Alice and Louis Koch Collection housed in the Swiss National Museum (nos. 599, 610, 607, 613); see final photo for examples.
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