Legend of the Coronation Ring, 1937 (colour litho)

Edward the Confessor (1003-66) King of England (1042-66) while on his way to the dedication of a chapel to St. John was asked by a beggar for alms; having no money, the king gave the ring to the beggar who was St. John the Evangelist in disguise; the ring was later returned to the king with a message that they would meet in Paradise; the ring used by Sovereigns of the United Kingdom is a symbol of this legend and signifies also the marriage of the sovereign to his or her kingdom; illustration from the series of Churchman's cigarette cards produced for the Coronation of King George VI;