Rights Holder: Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
FINGER RING
Unique ID: ESS-60FA23
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A silver finger-ring in the form of a two-headed snake, bent out of shape into a ‘J’ when seen from the side. Each head is roughly diamond shaped, with a rounded cross-hatched part surrounding it forming a hood. The band is a roughly flattened cylinder in cross-section. There is no visible makers mark.
Dimensions: extended length approx. 68mm, band approx. 2.5x3.5mm, heads measure 9.5mm at widest point, weight 7.4g
This appears to be an example of a Roman snake ring, of the kind popular from the 1st-4th centuries AD. Most closely resembles NMS-7F3190 and SF-8BEF14, both of which are described as Johns (1997) type Bii form and possibly being the work of the Snettisham jeweller.
Conclusion: 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. Subject to coroner’s inquest.
Notes:
Report by: Imogen Hubner, 03/01/19
Checked by Sophie Flynn, Essex FLO
Class:
snake-headed
Sub class: Johns (1997) type Bii
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Submitted for consideration as Treasure
Treasure details
Treasure case tracking number: 2018T233
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 43
Date to: Circa AD 410
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 68 mm
Weight: 7.4 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Wednesday 28th March 2018
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Treasure case number: 2018T233
Materials and construction
Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Buckinghamshire (County)
District: Aylesbury Vale (District)
Parish or ward: Upper Winchendon (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SP7413
Four figure Latitude: 51.81074633
Four figure longitude: -0.92801797
1:25K map: SP7413
1:10K map: SP71SW
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: ESS-A99810
Object type: FINGER RING
Broadperiod: MEDIEVAL
Description: Part of a roughly flattened silver finger-ring, flat in cross-section. The exterior surface of the hoop is engraved with a series…
Workflow: Published
Find number: ESS-EB072E
Object type: FINGER RING
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
Post-medieval silver gilt finger ring, inscribed on exterior with 'BE TRUE IN HART[sic]' (U and E styled as one letter) and decorative border…
Workflow: Published
Find number: ESS-AC8DBE
Object type: FINGER RING
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
Complete gold engraved finger ring dating for the late 16th century. The exterior is engraved with a pattern of alternating four- and five-pet…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618