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FINGER RING
Unique ID: SWYOR-CC23E3
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A Medieval gold finger ring probably dating from the 15th or 16th century. It is D shaped in scross section and the band is made up of nine hollow half round lobes and a circular bezel set with a pinkish red stone in cabochon style with a smooth rounded top. The hoop is slightly distorted.
The lobes are decorated with short oblique dashed or cross hatched lines, with a worn letter or symbol on the apex of each one reading: "S, d, (n), p, (d), (l), +, l, (r)" in gothic or black letter script.
The finger ring is 25.5mm long, 22.6mm wide and 5.9mm thick. The internal diameter is 17.6mm and the band is 3.1mm thick. The bezel is 8.1mm long, 7.5mm wide and 4.2mm thick. 4.82g.
The British Museum Scientific Research Department carried out non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of the metal which indicated a surface composition of approximately 77-78% gold, 13-14% silver, the rest being copper. The red gemstone was identified by Raman spectroscopy as almandine garnet.
Compare NCL-807A73 (2013 T212) which is a more ornate example, but also with 10 beads and letters on the beads. It is possible that this too is a decade ring used for devotional purposes, using the ten beads to count the ten prayers that make up the Rosary in the Catholic Christian tradition. For a comparable example in type, though not in style, see ESS-2979A8 (2004 T244).
Notes:
As the finger ring is greater than 300 years old and is more than 10% gold it appears to fulfil the requirements of the Treasure Act 1996.
Inscription:
s d n p d l + l r
Subsequent actions
Current location of find: Wakefield Museum Service
Subsequent action after recording: Acquired by museum after being declared Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2016T52
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1400
Date to: Circa AD 1600
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 25.5 mm
Width: 22.6 mm
Thickness: 5.9 mm
Weight: 4.82 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 21st December 2015 - Monday 21st December 2015
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: PAS form number 2800
Treasure case number: 2016T52
Museum accession number: WAKGM : 2018.1
Materials and construction
Primary material: Gold
Secondary material: Gem
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Wakefield (Metropolitan District)
District: Wakefield (Metropolitan District)
To be known as: Pontefract
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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