Code: 11008
This is an ancient Scandinavian Viking silver finger ring, dating to the 9th - 10th century A.D. It has been made from a hammered rod of silver, formed in an elongated pointed-oval shape, and stamped with a design. The bezel is the widest part, tapering through the shoulders until it is a wire at each terminal, one missing.
Stamped finger-rings with knotted ends, in gold, silver and copper alloy, are characteristic of the Scandinavian world in the late 9th and 10th centuries (TAR 2002, no. 52; TAR 2003, no. 45; Rogerson and Dallas (1984), 68, fig. 110, nos.12 and 13; Graham-Campbell (1980), 61, no.219; Rogerson 1995, 56, fig.38, nos.23 - 5). Similar examples have been recorded from Britain (NCL-90DD85) found in Lincolnshire and both (NMS-2160F3) (NMS-D65631) finds from Norfolk.
An attractive ring in excavated condition, one of the pointed terminals is missing but still mostly intact and wearable.
OBJECT: Finger Ring
CULTURE: Scandinavian Viking
DATE: c. 9th - 10th century A.D.
MATERIAL: Silver
RING SIZE: 10 (US) T 1/2 (UK)
SIZE: 23mm x 24mm x 2mm (Bezel 22mm x 14mm)
WEIGHT: 3.70 grams
PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection
