Scandinavian Viking silver finger ring Odins Draupnir

Code: 11561

This is an ancient Scandinavian Viking silver finger ring, dating to the 9th - 10th century A.D. The ring is formed from a hammered sheet of silver, with a broad bezel, graduating to a wirework hoop closed with a slip-knot. This type of ring was popular in Scandinavia, as well as Saxon England. Recorded examples can be seen ESS-9CB5B8, NLM-FC0D13, SWYOR-56EA98, SF-E58167 etc.

This example is decorated with a snake-like horseshoe pattern, which was of a design of Odin's magical ring 'Draupnir' known as the 'Dripper'. This ring was made by the Dwarfs, Brokkr and Eitri. According to the legend every ninth day eight new rings will drop out of Draupnir. The eight new rings are of equal quality as Draupnir. As such this magical ring would have been highly prized by the Vikings. In this example, you can see the snake-like horseshoe pattern is in fact representative of the new rings merging or dripping out of this ring. We also have annulet punches also representing rings. 

A similar design was found on a ring in Worcestershire. This example is intact and all original, It does have some thinning with two holes where the design has worn through. Very rare and perfectly wearable with care. 

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Viking

DATE: c. 9th - 10th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver

RING SIZE:  10  (US)     T 1/2   (UK)

SIZE: 23mm x 22mm x 18mm 

WEIGHT: 3.84 grams

PROVENANCE: From a private collection, London.