AN early 17th century gold signet ring found near Radstock is estimated to fetch in the region of £15,000 at auction.

The ring with an oval bezel depicting of a red deer stag with five-pointed antlers being brought down by a slender hunting hound, will go under the hammer in the Noonan’s Jewellery auction on Tuesday, June 23.

Metal detectorist Peter Faxholm, who lives six miles away in Wells discovered it in Emborough, Somerset in October 2020.

The 48-years old head of process for a local Shepton Mallet drinks manufacturer has been metal detecting for 21 years and before that studied for a degree in Archaeology, following in his father’s footsteps.

He said: “I am passionate about history and began metal detecting after field walking with my father looking for Stone Age artefacts from the age of 7. This developed into a love of history, archaeology and ultimately metal detecting; it all stems from a fascination with our past, and what everyday objects can tell us about our ancestors.”

Recalling the day, he explained: “It was early in the morning on a beautiful autumnal day when I made the discovery with my XP Deus.

“It was my first visit to the field, and I was with a friend of mine who I regularly detect with; I had only been on the field for about five minutes when I discovered the ring and felt a mix of emotions - shock, surprise, elation. My hands were trembling as I knew what it was immediately.”

Peter continues to metal detect as a form of relaxation and intends to share the proceeds of the auction with the landowner and plans to invest his portion into his pop-up pizza business PTZA Handmade Pizza by Pete and hopes to convert a food truck. He took the ring along to Noonans valuation day in Shaftesbury.

Jewellery specialist at Noonans Laura Smith said: “We think that this lovely ring might be associated with a local gentleman called Gabrielle Hippisley, who was Equerry of the Hunt to Charles I.

“The Hippisley (Hippesely) family purchased the manor house at Whitnell in 1496, acquiring the manor at Ston Easton in 1544, the manor at Cameley in 1559, and the manor house at Emborough in 1570, combining all as one estate.”

“Gabriel Hippisley, born 1595, at Ston Easton was appointed as an equerry of the hunt by the royal household responsible for horses used by the monarch for hunting,” she continued.

“Although the Hippisley family were granted coat of arms in 1564, as the 10th son of John Hippisely III, it is possible that Gabriel may have chosen a more individual image for his signet ring to distinguish himself, reflecting instead the important role bestowed upon him by the King.”

Noonans was founded in 1991 and is today established as the premier medal auctioneer worldwide. To date the company has offered in excess of 520,000 lots totalling over £280-million. Forthcoming auctions include coins and historical medals on June 30.