POST MEDIEVAL FINGER RING

1600

A post medieval copper alloy finger ring in the form of a belt. The ring's circumference is made from the belt strap. On the strap is a miniature belt buckle, which the end of the belt strap run through; the bare end of the strap then overlaps the round at a slight angle. The buckle is a single loop with a pin through the strap. The strap itself has a relief inscription in roman lettering: MATER . DEI . MAMTE, with the stop as quartefoils. The ring measures 21.9mm (length across buckle and overlapping strap) x 19.8mm (width) x 16.8mm (internal diameter) x 1.3mm (thickness) and weighs 3.00g.Belt shaped rings date from the post medieval to modern period, but the styling and wear of this example suggests it is 17th century. It is similar to another example on this database (DOR-9B2121) which is dated to the 17th century due to its inscription.