Rights Holder: British Museum
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Unique ID: KENT-C343E3
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
A Medieval finger-ring, iconographic in type, engraved at its centre with the image of a standing saint, possibly St John the Evangelist, holding a chalice in his left hand and blessing it with his right. The ring is a highly original construction of geometric planes, creating an exaggerated point at the shoulder. Each plane is engraved with a sunburst and sprigs of foliage. The back of the hoop is cabled and carries an inscription punctuated by engraved flowers. The inscription is contrary to the orientation of the image and reads:
"EN BON AN"
This French inscription, wishing a good year, appears on a large number of medieval rings which are considered to have been New Year's gifts.
The ring is gold and dates from the fifteenth or early sixteenth century.
Notes:
Consequently, in terms of age and as the object contains a minimum of 10% precious metal it qualifies as Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Inscription:
EN BON AN
Subsequent action after recording: Declared Treasure but returned to Finder as Museum unable to acquire
Treasure case tracking number: 2007T632
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1400
Date to: Circa AD 1525
Quantity: 1
Width: 21.32 mm
Thickness: 7.96 mm
Weight: 4.8 g
Diameter: 20 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 13th October 2007
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Treasure case number: 2007T632
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.