A 17th century gold ring is estimated to fetch £12k at auction - after being found by a retired school teacher in his back garden. The gold seal ring from 1620 was discovered 15 years ago by Richard McCaie, 71, whilst he was planting a bush.
Richard discovered the ring about 10 inches into the ground of his Grade II listed 16th century farmhouse at Braunton, Devon. And now the heirloom is up for auction with an estimated value of £8,000-£12,000.
Nigel Mills, artefacts and antiquities consultant at auction house Noonans, said: "The ring dates from 1620 and very likely belonged to Humphrey Cockeram of Cullompton in Devon.
"The ring bears a seal with the coat of arms of the Cockeram family and the initials H C behind. Humphrey was recorded as the head of the family in 1620 and lived at Hillersdon Manor in the early 17th century which is 42 miles east of where it was found.
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"The family were great patrons of the church, and their name comes from old English ‘Coccan’ meaning dweller by the stream."
Mr McCaie recalls being very surprised by the find, but only realised the importance of the ring later. He said: "I was very excited when I dug up the ring, which has now recorded on the Portable Antiquities Database."
He added: "We were amazed when Noonans told us the value and we are planning to use the proceeds from the sale to help our children."
The ring is coming up for sale at Noonans in a sale of Jewellery, watches, and objects of vertu on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. More information on bidding can be found at their website, www.noonans.co.uk.
