A merchant with the initials read as WS or SW wore this large silver ring on his gloved hand. He would have used it to seal documents or parcels of goods. We don't know who he was or what he dealt in, but this valuable ring tells us that he was a successful merchant.

A merchant's mark was unique to a merchant, although most shared certain design features such as a vertical shaft with a cross or streamers at the top, and often included the merchant's initials.

The mark could be written or stamped with a seal onto documents and parcels of packaged goods. In case of loss by theft or shipwreck, a merchant's mark was accepted as legal proof of ownership of goods. A seal could also be used as a form of identification by a merchant. It also sealed packages of goods, so prevented or discouraged any unauthorised opening of or theft from a parcel.

The Royal College of Arms, who controlled the grant of coats of arms, were very concerned at merchants putting their marks into shield-shaped surrounds. These looked like coats of arms, and the College felt that only gentlemen were entitled to coats of arms, and trade and gentlemen did not go together.

This ring was found near Alveston and was declared Treasure. The Treasure Act 1996 replaced the Treasure Trove laws, and extended the definition of treasure. This ring, being over 300 years old and containing at least 10% silver, counts as treasure under the Act.