UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

A copper alloy object which looks like a finger ring but which is probably a strap fitting or item of jewellery. It is a circular loop of metal which is oval in section. One side is expanded to form a bezel like area. The "bezel" is circular and is deeply concave, but the hollow does not pierce the hoop. A slender pin of copper alloy is fixed through the hoop and projects through the centre of the hollow area. The shoulders of the "bezel" are decorated with a triangular raised panel on each, filled with a moulded question mark shaped scroll and a central circle. There is wear on the inside of the back of the hoop, suggesting the ring was suspended from or interacted with a cord or strap.

The object does not appear to be a finger ring despite its appearance. Firstly, it is too small (internal diameter 9.23mm) for anyone except the smallest of children. Also, the hoop is oval in section rather than D shaped and is generally chunky making it too bulky for a typical finger ring. The wear is also inconsistent with this use. However, very small finger rings are known: ESS-88E0E3.

It is also possible that the fitting is one half of a swivel similar to BERK-D7EFA5, but it is usual for swivel loops to have a hole right through the "bezel" area for a pin to link the two loops. It could be that the slender pin described above joined the two loops, but it seems too delicate.

Another possibility is that this is a pseudo finger ring, designed to be worn on a necklace. The pin may have held a setting which is now missing.

The style of the decoration on the shoulders suggests a late Medieval to Post Medieval date, but it is very worn so the dating is not conclusive. The metal has a dark green patina. The hollow is coated with a clear substance, presumed to have been applied post-recovery.