1100-1300 AD. Medieval. A rare bronze heraldic ring with a circular hoop and round plate bezel bearing an engraved horseman and dog motif. Heraldry, or the use of an inherited coat of arms, was a means by which to display personal identity and familial relations. This tradition began during the 12th century AD in battlefield contexts were elites needed a symbol to display in order to be easily recognizable even when their faces were obscured by armour. By the 13th century AD this practice was adopted by nobles and knights who took immense pride in their family arms and colours. The heraldic ring was a key part of this personal branding as it allowed the owner to stamp their coat of arms on their correspondences. Excellent condition.Size: D: 19.31mm / US: 9 3/8 / UK: S1/2; 5g; Provenance: Property of a West London gentleman; previously in a collection formed on the UK/International art market in the 1980s.