Casgliadau Arlein

A silver ring-shaped vervel ( hawking ring) with a shield-shaped heraldic badge attached.

The ring is engraved on the outer surface 'E: of Mountgomery' in italic script. The badge is engraved with a wyvern below a radiate crown. The decoration on the shield and the inscription points to ownership by Philip Herbert (1584-1650), fourth Earl of Pembroke (from 1630) and Earl of Montgomery from 1605. He was created Baron Shurland (of Shurland House) in that same year.

Vervels were used in falconry to attach a raptor's leather jesses (strap) 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. Vervels were usually inscribed or emblazoned to enable the bird to be identified with its owner.