After failing to sell at auction, the items were sold to a private buyer for £17,500.

Metal detectorist Michaela Betts, 63, found the two rare rings on land belonging to Trunch Hall, near North Walsham.

She uncovered them last September and believes both may have been stolen in a burglary in the early 1800s.

Michaela Betts started metal detecting in the 1970s (Image: Hansons Auctioneers)

The signet ring with links to Lord Nelson was........

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