File:Early-Medieval Finger Ring (FindID 228404).jpg

English: A copper alloy finger ring of possible early Medieval date. The ring has the appearance of being made from a twisted strand of copper alloy, although it is possible that it was cast. It is sub-circular in section and although may have once been circular in plan one side has since been drawn out and bent slightly, perhaps through extensive use. Where the ring has been stretched out of shape it is at its narrowest point, measuring 2.12mm in diameter, and lacks any twisted, ropework decoration. On the opposite side the ring has a noticeable outward bulge, measuring 3.97mm in diameter. There is no evidence of any added decoration other than the ropework shape of the ring itself.

The entire object measures 22.18mm in width, 27.06mm in length, and weighs 3.72g.

Parallels for this ring can be noted in non-ferrous finger rings recovered from excavation in Anglo-Scandinavian York (see in particular Mainman and Rogers, 2000: 2585-2586, no. 10520). A gold finger ring of similar 10th-11th century AD date is noted in Read, 1995: pp. 48-49, no. 176. A gilt copper alloy ring of 9th-11th century AD date from east Hertfordshire recorded on the PAS database (BH-F06BC6) also provides parallels to this example. These indicate a possible date for the ring in the 9th-11th centuries AD, and with possible Anglo-Scandinavian origins.