Circa 18th century A.D.. Substantial hoop with segmented profile, low-relief inscription 'MORTI NATUS EST' to the underside, flowers in the following open field, ellipsoid plaques to the shoulders with facing skull motifs, owl with spread wings on the bezel. Cf. Mills, N., Medieval Artefacts, Witham, 2003, p.51, NM130, for the type of ring. 7.28 grams, 23.96 mm overall, 20.39 mm internal diameter (approximate size British R 1/2, USA 8 3/4, Europe 19.38, Japan 18) (1 in.).

The ring belongs to the memento mori (remember you shall die) ring type. Upon the bezel is engraved an owl, an animal symbol for the Other World. The inscription Morti Natus Est, means 'born to die' a reminder of fragility of life.

Private collection, Arundel, West Sussex, UK, 1975-late 1990s. [No Reserve]