Archaeology

Silver finger ring

Late medieval, about 15th century AD

Found with a metal detector at Martyr Worthy, Itchen Valley, Hampshire in 2003

This ring was once entirely gilded, but this now only survives on the interior of the hoop and in the deepest recesses of the engraved design. The inscription is punctuated with sprigs of foliage, and reads "en bon an" (in a good year). This sentiment occurs frequently on late medieval finger rings and is often considered to be associated with New Year's gifts. Traces of solder can be seen between the words bon and an, presumably an ancient repair.

Diameter 21mm. Weight 1.87g.

Object number: WINCM:AY 204

Click on the image to view an enlargement

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