Seventeenth vervel or hawking ring - £18,500 at TimeLine Auctions.
There seems little reason to doubt that this is a vervel - which would have been attached to the jesses around the bird’s feet - from one of James I's own birds of prey.
Found by a metal detectorist near Angmering, West Sussex, in 2016, it was declared under the Treasure Act but disclaimed as no museum was in a position to acquire it at the valuation of £4000-4500.
The ring came for sale at TimeLine Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in Harwich, Essex, on November 24 with a guide of £4000-6000 but found two eager bidders, one using thesaleroom.com prepared to part with £18,500.
