Medieval Bronze Clasped Hands 'Fede' Ring
08
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16
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45
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Medieval bronze Clasped Hands 'Fede' ring, dating to the 15th–16th century, in good condition with a patina, bezel about 9 mm, outside diameter about 22.7 mm, inside diameter about 18.4–20.9 mm, acquired in the Netherlands in 2025.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Late Medieval bronze ‘Fede’ ring with clasped hands forming the bezel. The shoulders are decorated with linear bands representing stylised cuffs or sleeves, leading to a plain ring band.
Outside diameter: ± 22,7 mm
Inside diameter: ± 18,4 - 20,9 mm
Bezel: ± 9 mm
Condition: good solid condition, attractive patina. Signs of wear and some deformation on the ring band, consistent with pressure sustained in the ground.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format) for sale price of € 100 or more.
-> The clasped hands motif dates back to ancient Rome, representing the joining of hands of the couple at a marriage ceremony. This practice dates back to ancient Rome and was known as 'dextrarum iunctio'.
-> This design became especially popular in the Middle Ages, and was used for marriage, betrothal, love or friendship. The name 'fede' is from the Italian phrase 'mani in fede', meaning 'hands clasped in faith'.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Late Medieval bronze ‘Fede’ ring with clasped hands forming the bezel. The shoulders are decorated with linear bands representing stylised cuffs or sleeves, leading to a plain ring band.
Outside diameter: ± 22,7 mm
Inside diameter: ± 18,4 - 20,9 mm
Bezel: ± 9 mm
Condition: good solid condition, attractive patina. Signs of wear and some deformation on the ring band, consistent with pressure sustained in the ground.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format) for sale price of € 100 or more.
-> The clasped hands motif dates back to ancient Rome, representing the joining of hands of the couple at a marriage ceremony. This practice dates back to ancient Rome and was known as 'dextrarum iunctio'.
-> This design became especially popular in the Middle Ages, and was used for marriage, betrothal, love or friendship. The name 'fede' is from the Italian phrase 'mani in fede', meaning 'hands clasped in faith'.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Medieval
Century/timeframe
15th-16th century AD
Name of object
Clasped Hands 'Fede' Ring
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
