Rights Holder: Kent County Council
CC License:
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
Unique ID: KENT-4937A8
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
A worn silver-gilt inscribed medieval 'stirrup' finger ring of medieval date, c.12th-15th century date.
Description: The ring is of stirrup form witha standard hoop (D-shaped in cross section) rising to a triangular bezel at the top, in which is a green cabochon setting. The green setting is heavily pitted and appears to have a highly reduced lustre, suggesting weathered glass rather than a stone setting. The bezel is flanked on either side, dividing it from the band by two incised lines. Along the upper surface of the band is an incised phrase, which reads 'IE SVI [FL]VR [D]E BON AMVR' which translates to "I am the flower of good love". Much of the gilding has also worn off and only visible around the shoulders, in the lettering and parts of the inner circumference. Despite the wear and slight distortion of the loop the ring remains in relatively good condition.
Measurements: 22.43mm high, 19.7mm wide, 3.5mm thick (at the bezel, 2.42mm wide on the band at the opposite end) and 1.41g in weight.
Discussion: This ring fits with a known group of 'stirrup' finger-rings which gained popularity in the 12th century and remained highly popular for around 300 years (Egan and Pritchard, 1991, 326, no 1608-9). A number of similar rings have been reported as treasure in the last few years, WMID-8E567B (2014T789), HAMP-51F929 (2014T544) and BM-C540F0 (2012T320) to name but three of a number of silver examples.
The inscription on the ring may help to narrow this dating more closely as shis kind of love 'tokenesque' inscription is particularly popular on seal matrices of the 14th century, with which this ring also shares lettering styles and may indicate a similar 14th century date range, .
Notes:
This finger ring appears to consist of over 10% precious metal and as outlined above is likely to be over 300 years old at the time of finding and thus it qualifies as potential Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996.
Inscription:
IE SVI [FL]VR [D]E BON AMVR
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Treasure case tracking number: 2017T117
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Middle
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Subperiod to: Middle
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1270
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Width: 19.7 mm
Thickness: 3.5 mm
Weight: 1.41 g
Diameter: 22.43 mm
This information is restricted for your access level.
Treasure case number: 2017T117
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Surface Treatment: Gilded
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Egan, G. and Pritchard, F. | 1991 | Dress Accessories, c.1150-c.1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London 3) (1991) | London | Stationery Office Books |