VIKING GOLD FINGER RING, circa 1000AD

VIKING GOLD FINGER RING, circa 1000AD, formed from a curved rod with a rectangular cross-section and bevelled edges widening at the centre and tapering at the back where the ends are drawn into wires. The external diameter 24mm and the internal diameter 17mm (c.8.56grams) Provenance: This finger ring has passed to the vendor from his father, who was told that it was found in the 1970's near Gainsborough. As it was found prior to 1997 it is subject to the common law of Treasure Trove. Since the ring is most likely to be in a casual loss it does not constitute Treasure Trove. (Unique ID: DENO-F22E58). This rare Saxon period gold ring may be compared to another of similar section and decoration from an 11th century horde at Soberton, Hampshire, now in The British Museum (P & E 1851, 3-13,2) whilst its knotted ends can be paralleled by a plain Viking ring from Great Wratting, Suffolk. The ring has been reported under the Portable Antiquities Scheme under the unique reference DENO-F22E58 and has been returned to the owner having been found prior to the commencement of the Treasure Act.