c1600 GILT AND STEEL ARMORIAL RING FOR VON KARSTEDT FAMILY

 Seal Detail

An unusual early 17th century gilt and steel armorial finger ring for the von Karstedt family from the municipality of Karstadt in the Prignitz region of Saxony in modern day Germany.  It is purported to have been the ring of either Joachim von Karstedt, or of more likelihood that of his son, Reimar von Karstedt (1560-1618), who was dean of Havelberg Cathedral.  Of no doubt, though, is the fact that the von Karstedt family is one of the oldest noble families of the Margraviate of Brandenburg.  

The fire-gilt ring formed with a broad and tapering form decorated with horizontal reeded banding giving it a segmented, almost "armoured" visual rhythm.  The stepped mount terminates in an octagonal tablet, set with a steel matrix, engraved with an armorial comprising shield of three jester's caps surmounted by a crested helm with repeat jester cap and pennant on either side.  A great looking example in very good overall condition save for wear to the gilt shank, commensurate with its age.

Seal Specification

Height:  29mm

Diameter of matrix: 13mm x 16mm 

Weight: 13g