FINGER RING

A complete silver finger ring, of Medieval dating (14th to 15th Centuries).

The hoop is circular with a rectangular section and has three raised bezels in the shape of four-petalled flowers. The central bezel is square (6.8 mm by 6.5 mm) , whereas the other two are lozenge shaped, with rounded corners (7.9 mm by 7.9 mm). Circular recesses are present within each petal and also in the centre of the flowers to represent the stamen. Diagonal grooves separate each of the petals on the bezel. The areas between the bezels on the hoop are decorated with incised chevrons. The remainder of the hoop is engraved to form the letters: IhESVS (Jesus) in Lombardic style. The background is plain. The internal surface of the hoop is plain.

Discussion:
A similar finger ring has been recorded on the PAS database as YORYM-3ECB52 (2012T698). The quatrefoil or flower shaped bezel and the quatrefoil design engraved in the inscription are all features which are evident in rings from the later medieval period. For example, IOW-0723C2 (2011 T590) shows similar lettering and quatrefoil designs; BH-82D4B2 and WAW-D5B7F1 both show a raised floral quatrefoil at the bezel. The lettering and style of inscription can be found on other medieval objects of comparable date, for example a 14th century silver ring brooch with the inscription IESUS in the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, 57.1990.

Date:
Medieval: 14th - 15th Century

Dimensions:
External Diameter: 27.6 mm; Internal Diameter: 20.5 mm. Hoop Width: 5.0 mm Hoop Thickness: 2.2 mm; Weight 7.5g.

Discussion:
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.