This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver dish ring* has a circular waisted form.
The sterling silver body of the dish is embellished with impressive embossed and pierced scrolling foliate vine decoration accented with perched birds, all amidst grape clusters.
One side of the body incorporates a shaped cartouche embellished with the contemporary bright cut engraved crest** displaying a dexter hand holding a book proper above the motto 'Mens immota manet' - My mind remains immovable.
This antique dish ring is fitted with a removable blue glass liner.
* The dish ring, also known as a potato ring, was introduced in the late 17th century and used to support a hot food dish on a table or sideboard; not only adding to the ornamentation but also protecting the surface against heat.
** This crest pertains to the Scottish Clan Meldrum of Crombie, Banffshire