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Description: | Treasure Case 2012-T228: Specialist Report Two fragments of a Finger ring from the Hay-on-Wye Area - HerefordshireDate: later MedievalFinder: Mr.Paul RatcliffeDate of discovery: January 2012Circumstances of discovery: Found whilst metal detectingNote: this is an addenda to Treasure Case 2011-T394 being further fragments of the same find in the same field. Previous report can be seen here http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/451366 (Reavill 2011)Description:Two fragments from a single silver gilt finger-ring often referred to as a 'fede-ring'. The two fragments do not conjoin but are of a similar diameter and found near to each other (and close to those previously reported within Treasure Case 2011-T394. The breaks are relatively modern and unabraded; the damage is probably caused by mechanical farming equipment.The two fragments reported herein comprise a large fragment and a smaller. The larger is most likely to come from the side hoop of the finger-ring hoop between the rear section showing a pair of clasped hands and the front bezel. The detailing on this part is poor comprising two interlaced strands forming small panels at the centre of the hoop. There is some decoration within the panels, a debased vertical crosses. The junction between the interlacing is further decorated with three small rounded pellets or knops. The second smaller part is a fragment of the bezel showing a crowned openwork heart. The surface of the ring is relatively unabraded and the gilt (applied gold) surface is well preserved. At the breaks a grey silver coloured metal is revealed.Dimensions: Fragment 1 (hoop): Length 15.3mm, width 7.3mm, thickness 1.6mm. Weight: 1.39 gramsFragment 2 (bezel): Length 12.5mm, width across widest point 12.0mm, thickness 2.6mm. Weight: 1.45 gramsDiscussion and Dating: Fede (Latin meaning 'faith, trust, or loyalty') rings are a popular token of love, often given at betrothal or marriage. The custom of giving this style of finger ring can be dated from the 12th century to the present day. The joined hands symbolised the love, trust and faith between two people. (Jackson 2011) The finger-ring can be paralleled with other treasure discoveries (Jackson 2011, Lodwick 2009 and McIntosh 2011). Similar published examples can be seen in a 15th century silver-gilt finger-ring found in the Blackburn area of Lancashire (Robinson, 2003, p 63 cat no:106).Metal Content: I believe that the precious metal content (silver) of the finger ring fragments fulfil the requirements of the Treasure Act in that it is greater than 10%.Notes: It is highly likely that at least another 2 fragments of this ring remain lost within the field.References: Jackson, J (2011) KENT-EC13F5 A POST MEDIEVAL FINGER RING from Bishopsbourne, Kent Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/439497Lodwick, M (2009) NMGW-A8C737 A MEDIEVAL Finger ring from Coberley, Gloucestershire. Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/246989McIntosh, F (2011) DUR-790CE0 A MEDIEVAL FINGER RING from West Layton, North Yorkshire Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/445457Reavill,P (2011) HESH-C5BA65 A MEDIEVAL FINGER RING Webpage available at: http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/451366Robinson J. 2004: Silver-gilt finger-ring found in the Blackburn area of Lancashire in Treasure Annual Report 2003. DCMS: London.AuthorPeter Reavill Finds Liaison Officer, Portable Antiquities Scheme
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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