Medieval Archer’s Ring Copper-Alloy 13th Century

Description

Heading : Medieval Archer’s Ring. Copper-Alloy. 13th Century

Material: Bronze/Copper Alloy

Period: Medieval

Date: 13th-14th centuries

Origin: Europe and Asia

Condition: VF

Description: A flat sectioned hoop with a triangular flanged extension forming the face of the ring. Decorated with a border of diagonal lines.

Size and Weight: 28mm x 22mm (internal 20mm), 4.2g

Features and Provenance:

Archer’s rings have been found made of many materials, including jade, base metals, silver and even glass. Their shape varied but all protected the thumb on the string hand. It may have been used in conjunction with leather much as a modern archer’s finger guard would have been. It was used on the pad of the thumb in combination with the index finger to hold the string and arrow in place before letting loose. This example is slightly smaller than some so may indicate the use by a young man or boy, as all males were expected to practice archery; occasional women did hunt, but if this was was the case, they would probably use a leather protection. Jewelled forms have been found but these are unlikely to have been used in battle and were probably just for show.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of the artefact and there are grades between

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of pattern etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of pattern etc present. but may be worn

Fine (F). Wear on the artefact and parts of item and pattern etc may be missing or not visible