Valuable ring thrown into back of drawer after being found in garden

Edwin Booth, 77, discovered the ring as he planted flower beds in his garden two years ago when he could no longer mow the lawn after having a heart bypass.

The pensioner, of Birstall, near Leeds, washed the ring, dismissed it as a worthless piece of aluminium and put it in the back of a drawer in his kitchen – where it lay forgotten for 18 months.

It was only after his wife, Christine, found the piece of jewellery, that Mr Booth took it to Batley Park Museum, where he was told it could be hundreds of years old.

The retired market stall holder agreed for it to be taken to the British Museum in London for analysis.

Coroner Paul Marks declared the ring officially treasure at Bradford Coroner's Court yesterday.

The silver ring qualifies as treasure because it has the minimum 10 per cent of precious metal required for declaration.

Mr Marks said the artefact, which has what is thought to be the owner's initials B and I engraved on it, is estimated to date back to the late 15th or early 16th century.

He said the item was a significant find and such items were rarely discovered in West Yorkshire.

Mr Marks said: "I have seen the object, it is a fine looking artefact. My judgement is it falls within the definition of treasure."

He told Mr Booth the British Museum, which has the ring, would be in touch with him regarding a finder's reward.

Mr Booth said he was shocked the ring was so old and potentially valuable.

He said: "I didn't realise what it might be worth. I honestly thought it was worth nothing. I don't know the history of the area so I've no idea how it turned up in my garden."

A committee will put a value on the ring, which is estimated to take about four months.