English: A complete silver post-medieval heraldic vervel (hawking ring), dating to the late 16th-17th century AD.

Description: The vervel comprises a silver ring with attached shield shaped heraldic plate. The plate is decorated with an incised wyvern below a radiate crown. The vervel ring has the inscription 'E: of Mountgomery '. Save for some minor damage/folding of the shield the vervel remains in good condition.

Measurements: 9.35mm long, 8.84mm wide, 8.49mm high amd 1.04g in weight.

Discussion: Vervels were used in falconry to attach a raptor's leather jesses to a leash, which, held in the hand, enabled the bird to be flown in short distance flight. The leash could also be used to fix the bird to its block or perch. As is the case in this instance vervels were usually inscribed or emblazoned to enable the bird to be identified with its owner. Falconry enjoyed great popularity among the Tudors and Stuarts, with nobility and gentry, before declining towards the end of the 17th Century with the advent of better firearms for hunting, land enclosures and changing tastes.

The inscription on this vervel likely associates the vervel with Edward Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Cherbury and owner of Montgomery Castle in Wales. Though the Wyvern is not directly associated with the arms of Edward Herbet it was used as a supporter of both the Cherbury Arms and the modern arms of Montgomeryshire alluding to a link between the symbol and Edward Herbet. This would therefore suggest a date of later 16th century until 1648.

Similar vervels have previously been reported as treasure, such as <a href="https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/841599">DUR-775EF0</a> (2017-T329), <a href="https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/919556">SUR-B63222</a> (2018T695) and  <a href="https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/822955">SUSS-D17951</a> (2017T10). The age and precious metal content of this item qualify it as treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.

Conclusion: It is therefore clear that this object likely dates to before 1719 and as the object is made of more than 10% precious metals, it constitutes potential Treasure under the stipulations of The Treasure Act 1996.