MUSLIM OIL SHEIK SAID TO BE TOP BIDDER FOR JOAN OF ARC RING SET TO BE AUCTIONED OFF IN LONDON + POPE FRANCIS TO HELP SHEIK WITH FINANCING

‘Joan of Arc's ring’ set to go under the hammer, 600 years after French heroine was burned at the stake

A 15th century ring believed to have been owned by Joan of Arc will go under the hammer in London. The ring, thought to have been worn by the patron saint before her death and handed down through King Henry VII, is set to be auctioned in February. The piece is said to have been given to the French heroine by her parents before she was burned at the stake by the British when she was just 19 years old in 1431. The ring matches a description, revealed in transcripts, given by Joan of Arc herself during the trial which resulted in her death. She said it has the inscription 'Jhesus Maria' as well as three crosses, and was made from either gold or brass. She claimed it was on her hand when she touched St Catherine, who appeared before her in a vision. Brett Hammond, chief executive of Timeline Auctions, which will be selling the lot, told MailOnline: 'In my mind there is little doubt it's her ring. 'To be a ring from the fifteenth century that fits her description perfectly - I think it's too much of a coincidence. 'It's a really interesting ring, we are privileged to be able to sell it.' Daily Mail Read More>>>>>