PENANNULAR RING

Report to H.M. Coroner for Isle of Wight Potential Treasure of a gold penannular ring from Brighstone, Isle of Wight Treasure case: 2008/T076 Circumstances of discovery A plain gold bipartite composite penannular ring was found by Mr Keith Gosden whilst metal-detecting on the land of Mr Richard Fisk near Brighstone, Isle of Wight on 3rd February 2008. Catalogue 1. Gold penannular composite bi-partite ring - each ring is sub-circular in section and attached to each other along their lengths before finishing in a plain uniform terminal. There is no evidence for further decoration. D. 10.5mm; Wt. 9.0g Dimensions (millimetres/grams) D: diameter Wt: weight Discussion These sub-circular sectioned composition penannular rings are mainly dated to the centuries 1300-1100 BC. Similar finds are known from the Stretham hoard, Cambridgeshire and from Haxey, Lincolnshire (Eogan 1994, 59, fig. 21, no. 4 and fig. 22, no. 1). They have also been found threaded on to gold pennanular bracelets and twisted torcs as demonstrated on a bracelet threaded with seven composite and two simple rings has been reported from north-east Norfolk (Treasure Annual Report 2004, 22, no. 6). Conclusion The object fulfils the Treasure Act (1996) in that it is more than 300 years old. References Eogan, G. 1994. The Accomplished Art: gold and gold-working in Britain and Ireland during the Bronze Age (c. 2300-650 BC). Oxford: Oxbow Monograph 42 Treasure Annual Report 2004. London: Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Frank Basford, Isle of Wight FLO, February 2008 Ben Roberts 7th April 2007 Curator of European Bronze Age British Museum Great Russell Street London WC1B 3DG