Six Roman and Byzantine Signet Style Finger Rings

Roman, Imperial period to Byzantine Empire. Six cast finger rings, each a slender hoop that swells into a bezel at the shoulders. The group mixes leaded brass, leaded bronze, leaded copper alloy, and lead alloy, all softened by green and earthen patina. The bezels vary in shape. One is an octagonal plaque with crosshatched incision, others are oval or rounded pads, and the smallest ring carries a worn device that is hard to read. One bezel is not flat but rises to a ridged, lozenge-like point. Two bezels hold remains of enamel inlay in reddish-brown and dark tones, a hint of the color they once had. Rings like these were everyday adornment across the Roman and Byzantine world. Some of the engraved bezels may also have served as simple seals, though that use cannot be confirmed here. Please note that these rings contain from 4 to 45% lead and are not recommended for wear. Item # 204928

Estimate:£189.18

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