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FINGER RING
Unique ID: WMID-6ABC41
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A complete gold mourning finger ring, of probable Post Medieval dating (AD 1600 to AD 1800).
The hoop is slightly misshapen and is no longer circular in shape. The hoop is D shaped in cross section. The exterior of the hoop has been engraved with a pictoral device. This device consists of two engraved saltires with rounded ends. Between the saltires is a sub rectangular recessed section. Both the saltires and the sub rectangular area have been keyed for enamel, traces of white enamel still remain in the ends of the saltires. It is possible that this sub rectangular area may represent the skull and torso of a skeleton, with the saltires represent the arms and legs respectively. The rest of the hoop is plain and undecorated. The interior of the hoop bears an engraved inscription reading: 'Live holy and dye happy M P'. An unclear maker's mark is present after the inscription.
The finger ring has an external diameter of 20.3 mm and an internal diameter of 18.0 mm. The hoop is 2.9 mm wide and 1.2 mm thick. It weighs 2.3 g.
The finger ring is a dark yellow colour, with traces of white enamel present in the recesses.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance
Inscription:
Live holy and dye happy M P
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Declared Treasure but returned to Finder as Museum unable to acquire
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2014T233
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Width: 2.9 mm
Thickness: 1.2 mm
Weight: 2.3 g
Diameter: 20.3 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 23rd March 2014
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Treasure case number: 2014T233
Materials and construction
Primary material: Gold
Secondary material: Enamel
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Inlaid with enamel
Spatial metadata
Region: West Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Birmingham (Metropolitan District)
District: Birmingham (Metropolitan District)
To be known as: Birmingham
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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