Medieval Silver Inscribed Stirrup Ring

Code: 12116

This is an excavated medieval silver ring, dating to the 13th - 14th century. A stirrup-shaped finger ring with a pointed, solid bezel terminating in a small rounded knop. The bezel is slightly inset from the band and is flat the sides. The band is rectangular in cross-section. The outer face of the band is inscribed + NRI V IRMNE retrograde. The inscription may be considered magical or protective, especially written backwards. Similar stirrup rings have been recorded from Marshwood (DOR-96CF08), Alvediston (SOM-2E9408) and Manston (BUC-0919D8). This ring is intact but sadly with a cracked hoop. 

OBJECT: Stirrup ring

CULTURE: Medieval 

DATE: c. 13th - 14th century AD

MATERIAL: Silver

SIZE: 24.8mm x 21.7mm x 3.2mm

RING SIZE:  9 1/2  (US)     S 3/4  (UK)

WEIGHT: 1.39 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. private collection,  Méneslies, France.