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Description: | Post medieval lead alloy decade, or rosary, finger ring. Probably dates from c1500 to c1725 AD. The bezel of the ring has no visible engraving. The ring is decorated with ten other knops.The diameter is 42mm at the bezel and 39mm elsewhere. Bezel maximum diameter 11mm, ring thickness 4mm in plan.Similar rings on the PAS database are WMID-08B476, NLM-1CD468 (both lead or lead alloy), WAW-102234 (with a clear glass inset), DUR-1B73E3, LANCUM-CE9AE3 all 3 copper alloy), WAW-CB51A1 (silver), and YORYM-07E2C3 (gold).The decade ring takes its name from the fact that it has ten knobs to help in counting prayers, similar to (but more discreet than) a rosary - hence its alternative name. Rosaries were forbidden in England and Wales by a statute of 1571, but the act does not mention decade rings. They continued to be made until at least the 18th century for use by Roman Catholics.Photo provided by the finder.
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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