Rights Holder: Lincolnshire County Council
CC License:
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Unique ID: LIN-00BB62
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Treasure reference number 2013 T578: a complete silver-gilt medieval iconographic finger-ring, dating circa 1400-1550. The bezel is rectangular in shape, with angled corners, and is engraved with a standing bearded figure of St. John the Evangelist, who holds a covered chalice in his left hand and appears to bless the cup with his right hand. The hoop has a D-shaped section and is decorated with alternating diagonal raised plain and beaded bands. Each shoulder is divided into two facets, by a beaded band running along its centre. Leaf-shaped motifs are engraved on either side of the beaded rib, one shoulder also shows traces of green enamel decorating the leaves.
Discussion: Iconographic finger rings were popular objects of personal devotion in the late Middle Ages, and numerous rings survive with single, double or triple faceted bezels bearing depictions of saints or religious scenes. Other examples of St. John the Evangelist depicted on late medieval iconographic finger-rings are SF-0D09B2 (2013 T300), KENT-C343E3 (2007 T632) and a double faceted ring in the British Museum, AF.915.
Notes:
The finger-ring meets the criteria for Treasure under the terms of the Treasure Act 1996
in terms of age and precious metal content
Class: iconographic
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being disclaimed as Treasure
Treasure case tracking number: 2013T578
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1400
Date to: Circa AD 1500
Quantity: 1
Length: 26 mm
Width: 22 mm
Thickness: 7 mm
Weight: 4.1 g
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 26th August 2013
This object was found at Central Searchers, Alford, Lincs
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Treasure case number: 2013T578
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Gilded
4 Figure: TF4277
Four figure Latitude: 53.27098233
Four figure longitude: 0.12788895
1:25K map: TF4277
1:10K map: TF47NW
Grid reference source: From a paper map
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.