A 17th-century ring found by a person using a metal detector in a field garnered much attention. It could sell for a huge sum of money, up to £16,000 (Rs 13.26 lakh), at an auction. Alan Rumsby, 75 years old, found the ring while searching a field with his metal detector in Roydon in Norfolk, England.
In October 2020, the initial detection from his XP Deus detector unveiled a gold ring hidden at a depth of nine inches. The ring is reported to belong to Dorothy Ashfield, born in 1594. Experts say it’s very uncommon to find a seal ring from that time worn by a woman.
The ring will be up for auction on March 12 at Noonans Mayfair. This will take place alongside the auction of Jewelry, Watches, Silver, and Objects of Vertu. It’s anticipated to be sold for a price between (Rs 11,60,511) and £16,000 (Rs 13,26,299). The proceeds will be shared with the landowner.
Alan Rumsby said, “I was excited to find something made of gold after searching for more than 10 years. It was amazing.” He also said, “I only realized how important this discovery was when it was shown at the Museum.”
Initially, the British Museum had expressed interest in acquiring the ring. But two years later, they decided to disclaim the ring, thus offering Alan Rumsby the opportunity to sell it.
Nigel Mills, an expert in artefacts and coins at Noonan’s, mentioned, “The ring is historically important because it’s very uncommon to find a ring like this from that time, especially one that a woman wore.”
The ring shows this through a special coat of arms on its top part. This coat of arms is shaped like a diamond and is divided into four parts, representing her family names: Ashfield, Tendring, Botelier and Mapersall.
The five-pointed star in the middle of the coat of arms hints at its link to a third son. Hence, it is believed that the ring was owned by Dorothy Ashfield, born in 1594. She was the oldest daughter of Thomas Ashfield and Ellen Holditch. Thomas Ashfield was the third son of the Ashfield family from Hopton, Suffolk, and Ellen Holditch came from Ranworth, Norfolk.
Alan Rumsby, a retired carpenter, stated that he intends to use his share of the money for a vacation with his wife.
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