Beschreibung:

TUDOR ARMORIAL RING FOR JOHANN ERNST I, RELATED TO ANNE OF CLEVES, WIFE OF KING HENRY VIII OF ENGLAND Circa 1600 AD An important gold and rock crystal signet ring, the property of Johann Ernst, von Sachsen, Julich, Kleve and Berg; the oval bezel inset with painted foil-backed rock crystal heraldic intaglio seal depicting his conjoined coats of arms surmounted with six visored helmet crests comprising: a bull's head, twin horns, mitre cap, jester, griffin and peacock tail representing the Duchies of Kleve-Mark, Thuringen, Sachsen, Meissen, Julich and Berg; with inscription below the arms: v(on) G(ottes) G(naden) Johan Ernst H(erzog) Z(u) S(achsen) J(ulich) C(leve) u(nd) B(erg); the shoulders with black enamel inlaid scroll and foliate decoration extending to fleurs at reverse of bezel. 31 grams, 30mm overall, 21.11mm internal diameter (approximate size British X, USA 11 1/2, Europe 26.29, Japan 25) (1 1/4"). Condition Very fine condition. A very large wearable size. Excessively rare. Provenance From an important collection of finger rings; formerly with Christies, South Kensington, London, 9th October 2012, lot 385; previously in the Jürgen Abeler (1933-2010) collection, Wuppertal, Germany; acquired 1960-1981; and thence by descent. Accompanied with geologic report No.TL003157, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. Accompanied by X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate 00912-2017TR. Literature Cf. S. Lambert, The Ring, Design, Past and Present, Royston, Herts, 2020, p.74, pl.3 for similar ring of similar