368 - Post Medieval 'My choice is my Delight' Decorated Gold Posy Ring. Extremely Rare - Previously Unrecorded Inscription

Post Medieval 'My choice is my Delight' Decorated Gold Posy Ring. Extremely Rare - Previously Unrecorded Inscription England, Norfolk, late 17th-early 18th century A.D. D-shaped in cross-section, the exterior decorated along each edge with a sunken groove with counter-relief ovals set longitudinally, alternating with pairs of smaller ovals set transversely to the groove, resembling a dotted line, but with hints of classical bead-and-reel ornament; between the two, along the centre of the hoop, a shallowly sunken area filled with closely set counter-relief C-shapes; the interior with a neatly engraved inscription in lower-case italic lettering, reading 'My choice is my delight'; straightened. 1.83 grams, 16.01 mm overall, 14.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3) (5/8 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website] Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Wood Norton, Norfolk, UK, by Steven Leeder, on Tuesday 2nd April 2024; recorded as a find of potential Treasure and subsequently disclaimed by the Crown. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.NMS-BD2246. Accompanied by a copy of the Report of a find of potential Treasure for H M Coroner no.2025 T169. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the British Museum stating: 'On behalf of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, I am writing to inform you that the Crown's interest in this find has been disclaimed'. The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) states: 'This precise posy (or motto) does not appear to have been yet recorded on the PAS database, although the variants In thy sight is my delight, In thee my choice I do rejoice and particularly I like my choice are well known. The subtle decoration of several concentric bands of geometric ornament on the outside of the hoop is also very unusual in a posy ring, but can perhaps be paralleled by LEIC-B3CF79, YORYM-B0EB9B and YORYM-2A5351 (all with inscriptions in capitals).' TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.