FINGER RING

Copper alloy 'signet' finger ring with a separate and applied engraved seal matrix bezel of probable very late medieval or post medieval date (1450 - 1650 AD). The hoop of the finger ring is oval (an irregular D shape) in plan and D shaped in cross section. The hoop flares (expands) but also thins at the shoulders of the ring to form a platform to which the bezel is applied. The bezel is circular in plan and is wedge shaped (rhomboid with a distinct faceted edge) in profile has a well formed and executed incised / engraved design. This design may act as a personal seal matrix although it is not deeply incised. The central image is that of a cross or possibly a four pointed star; it is formed of four conjoined arcs forming an irregular cross which is itself further embellished with a central saltire cross with vertical and horizontal lines emanating from the centre. The arcs themselves are filled with diagonal lines with these opposing each other in each quarter. The shoulders of the bezel are also decorated with irregular oval / lozenge shaped bosses at the junction with the hoop and incised vertical and horizontal lines at the junction with the bezel. The hoop od the ring is plain; as is the inner face of the ring and bezel. The finger ring has an even well formed and unabraded mid-green coloured patina which covers all surfaces. There are no areas of abrasion or surface damage. This form of finger ring is well known from the later medieval and early post medieval periods; a similar applied bezel has been recorded from Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire (HESH-F687C4) and a number are published in the Salisbury Medieval Catalogue (Cherry: 1991). A direct parallel of the signet design has not been found, however, it is likely to be a privy mark of the period.

The finger ring measures 22.7mm length, 24.1mm width; the bezel measures 12.9mm length, 11.8mm width, and is 2.5mm thick. The hoop is 5.2mm high and 1.8mm thick and the internal diameter of the ring is 18.4mm x 21.5mm. The ring weighs 5.2 grams.