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A charming antique Edwardian gold intaglio clan signet ring, circa 1915.
The signet ring has been intricately carved to depict the heraldic arms of an old Scottish clan. In the centre you can see the crest badge; a greyhound ‘couped’ wearing a collar, surrounded by a heraldic garter with the phrase ‘God us aede’ engraved.
This belongs to the Scottish ‘Belshes’ clan. Although it’s a one of the smaller clans of Scotland, it has a rich history and goes back to the Belshes Barony of Jedburgh. One of the earliest recordings of the clans heritage is seen in the book ‘Ancient Scottish Seals’ (1850) where the seal of Richard de Belchis was recorded in 1296, thus showing the importance and standing of the Belshes clan in Scottish society at that time.
The hereditary line for the Belshes barony ended in 1712 with the death of John Belshes of Ilk who left four daughters. However, the clan still exists today since the way in which Scottish clan heraldry works is that anyone with the surname can adopt the badge, even if they are not of noble birth.
Though the original clan motto is ‘Fulget Virtus Intaminata’ (Virtue Shines Unstained), this signet ring is a very unique example which has an alternative motto engraved in the garter. It reads, ‘God Us Aede’ (God Help Us), possibly changed to reference to the looming fear and uncertainty of WWI, especially since Britain declared war on Germany the same year this ring was made.
This carved intaglio would have been used to make wax seals for important deeds and letters regarding family affairs.UK size K, US size 5.25
The ring weighs 6.63 grams, and the oval bezel measures 13mm x 10mm. The back of the band measures 3mm across. The ring is in good overall condition despite being over 100 years old.
The ring is stamped with British hallmarks for 18K gold, the city of Birmingham and the year 1915.
A charming antique Edwardian gold intaglio clan signet ring, circa 1915.
The signet ring has been intricately carved to depict the heraldic arms of an old Scottish clan. In the centre you can see the crest badge; a greyhound ‘couped’ wearing a collar, surrounded by a heraldic garter with the phrase ‘God us aede’ engraved.
This belongs to the Scottish ‘Belshes’ clan. Although it’s a one of the smaller clans of Scotland, it has a rich history and goes back to the Belshes Barony of Jedburgh. One of the earliest recordings of the clans heritage is seen in the book ‘Ancient Scottish Seals’ (1850) where the seal of Richard de Belchis was recorded in 1296, thus showing the importance and standing of the Belshes clan in Scottish society at that time.
The hereditary line for the Belshes barony ended in 1712 with the death of John Belshes of Ilk who left four daughters. However, the clan still exists today since the way in which Scottish clan heraldry works is that anyone with the surname can adopt the badge, even if they are not of noble birth.
Though the original clan motto is ‘Fulget Virtus Intaminata’ (Virtue Shines Unstained), this signet ring is a very unique example which has an alternative motto engraved in the garter. It reads, ‘God Us Aede’ (God Help Us), possibly changed to reference to the looming fear and uncertainty of WWI, especially since Britain declared war on Germany the same year this ring was made.
This carved intaglio would have been used to make wax seals for important deeds and letters regarding family affairs.
UK size K, US size 5.25
The ring weighs 6.63 grams, and the oval bezel measures 13mm x 10mm. The back of the band measures 3mm across. The ring is in good overall condition despite being over 100 years old.
The ring is stamped with British hallmarks for 18K gold, the city of Birmingham and the year 1915.
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