SUPERB VIKING SHIELD RING, C. 9TH-10TH CENTURY, SIZE 10 1/2 - 11 02/20/2025 after the fall of Rome

after the fall of Rome

A woman’s ring for the small finger dating to the period of artistic reversal known as the Dark Ages

hand-decorated with a medial stipple band

Rings for infants were surely a luxury reserved for the noble class

Circular with overlapping prongs band as was specific to Vikings

SUPERB VIKING SHIELD RING, C. 9TH-10TH CENTURY, SIZE 10 1/2 - 11 02/20/2025 after the fall of RomeRing size 10 11. The oval bezel just over 1 in length. Broad overlapping prong band allowing for some adjustment. The large oval bezel with raised border and broad rounded transverse bands flanked by smaller, narrow bands. Unusually made as a thick plate with the decoration incised. These usually are thin, near foil thickness with the decoration embossed and easily wear with small holes appearing. All the decoration crisp and uniform on this example.