Skip to product information
Medieval Silver Merchant Seal Ring with Heraldic Device – “Mercator” (13th century AD) – EU 68 / US 12.5

Medieval Silver Merchant Seal Ring with Heraldic Device – “Mercator” (13th century AD) – EU 68 / US 12.5

€1.000,00

Material:

  • Silver

Era:

  • Medieval

Rarity:

  • Rare
Secure checkout
Worldwide insured shipping
14-day return policy
Description

A medieval silver merchant’s seal ring with a flat section rounded hoop and circular engraved bezel, dating to the 13th century. The bezel displays a heraldic composition with a central horizontal bar, flowing linear extensions, a fleur de lis above flanked by leafy branches, and an inverted triangular element below. The outer border is framed by a continuous row of evenly spaced triangular notches, forming a defined sealing edge. The engraving is arranged for clear wax impressions, reflecting its function as a working seal used in commercial or administrative contexts.

Details
Material: Silver
Date: Medieval, 13th century AD
Ring Size: EU 68 / US 12.5
Provenance: London Ancient Art collector, formerly in a London private collection, acquired on the UK art market since the 1970s
Unique Identifier: R-179-S
Condition: Good, with surface wear consistent with age and use

Restoration and Authenticity
Offered in original, untouched condition with stable patina and no modern repairs.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Historical Context
During the 12th and 13th centuries, merchant seal rings played a central role in European commercial life. Traders and guild members used engraved rings to authenticate documents, contracts, and goods, ensuring trust in expanding urban markets. Heraldic devices and fleur de lis motifs conveyed identity, status, and in some cases regional or familial associations. Such rings were both practical instruments of business and visible symbols of a merchant’s authority within the growing towns of medieval Europe.

Care

To maintain the beauty and integrity of your purchase, we recommend treating it with care. Simple maintenance practices, such as gentle washing and proper storage, can effectively preserve the longevity of your favorites. We encourage you to refer to the care instructions included with each item, designed to help you keep your purchase in top condition.

Authenticity

Each artifact we offer has been carefully examined by qualified professionals to ensure its authenticity. Our assessment considers historical style, craftsmanship, materials, and the wider typology of comparable pieces.

Because historical scholarship evolves, we offer a lifelong authenticity guarantee: if two independent, accredited laboratories ever determine that an item is not genuine, we will refund you in full.

What size is this ring?

The EU size of this ring is: 68

The US size of this ring is: 12.5


You can find information about ring sizes and how to determine your own, here.

Delivery Times & Processing

We prepare and ship most orders within 2–5 business days.

Delivery times depend on your location:

  • EU orders: usually arrive within 1–5 business days.
  • Non-EU orders: shipping typically takes 3–14 business days once dispatched.
  • Export documents: Some antiquities require official export paperwork before shipping, which can take 2–8 weeks depending on the item and the issuing authority.

All orders are fully insured and you will receive tracking information as soon as your shipment is on its way.

Provenance and authenticity documentation available for every piece.

You may also like