Viking Scandinavian braided silver finger ring

Code: 10982

This is a fabulous Scandinavian Viking braided finger ring, dating to the 10th - 11th century A.D. The ring is formed from at least three rods of silver, intricately plaited together to form a decorative band. The terminals welded making it adjustable to wear. 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 bold and attractive example, intact and in excavated condition. 

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Viking

DATE: c. 10th - 11th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver

RING SIZE:  7 1/2 (US)   P  (UK)

SIZE: 26mm x 27mm 5mm x 3mm 

WEIGHT: 6.75 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection