Ancient-Jewellery

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Ancient Scandinavian Viking Braided Finger Ring

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Code: 10782



This is a fabulous Scandinavian Viking braided finger ring, dating to the 10th - 11th century A.D. The ring is formed from at least four rods of bronze, intricately plaited together to form a decorative band. The terminals welded closed and hammered into a plain solid section. The workmanship is very competent and well designed. It is comparable with another four-strand version in the British Museum found at Soberton, Hampshire, in a pot containing coins of Edward the Confessor, Harold and William I that was deposited c. 1068 and a further example from Dane John, Canterbury (L. Webster, 1976, "Gold ring from Dane John", Archaeologia Cantiana, 92, pp. 233-4, with references to other English finds). In England the four-strand type is more usual and such rings appear to date mainly from the early to mid-11th century, although in Scandinavia they continued in use into the 12th century and in other metals, too (F. Lindahl, 2003, Symboler i Guld og Sølv, Copenhagen, pp. 11-12, 75-7, catalogue nos. 8-13, fig. 3). See also SWYOR-202584 for comparison.

A very fine example in excellent condition, intact with a nice deep ocean green patina.

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Viking

DATE: c. 10th - 11th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Bronze

RING SIZE:  9 1/2 (US)   S 3/4  (UK)

SIZE: 25mm x 26mm 6mm 

WEIGHT: 6.2 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection