This Mid-Century carved signet features a quiver of arrows held by a belt, beneath a vintage-style hat. 

HISTORY

William Tell has long been heralded as a folk hero of Switzerland, where he is known as a strong man, a mountain climber, and an expert shot with his crossbow. He is most well-known for the story of the apple shot: Legend has it that after being arrested for failing to bow in respect of an army general, the man ordered him to shoot an apple (or hat, in some versions), off his son's head with a single shot. After splitting the apple successfully, Tell was asked why he took more than one arrow out of his quiver, to which he answers that the second was meant for the general's heart should he have failed.

Beginning in the Victorian era, the buckle or garter belt motif became a popular way to express friendship and fidelity in relationships. The simple shape was made popular by Queen Victoria, and bestowed the wearer with a sense of attachment and eternal love from the giver. In this ring, the symbolism of the belt is further enhanced by the arrows it holds, which have long been seen as a symbol of love and devotion.

MATERIALS

18k Yellow Gold

CONDITION

Excellent - in beautiful condition with a light surface patina highlighting the details.

HALLMARKS

18k Gold

AGE

1960s

SIZE

Size 4. Face of ring measures 9 x 12mm.