Medieval Gold Beaded Ring

Rectangular block with high-relief carving to the upper face, comprising two fishes placed side-by-side, one with heavy scale detailing, the other with a bifurcated tail; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 24 kg total, 51 cm wide including stand



Discovered in part of a stone garden wall during demolition. Ex Stamford deceased estate, Lincolnshire, UK. Property of a Cambridgeshire, UK, gentleman.

The carving style bears similarities to the low-relief carvings on Pictish picture stones, although a close match for the subject matter is absent. A stone recorded at Dunnicaer, Scotland, is carved with a fish symbol but its execution is very sparse and linear in comparison with the heavy detailing of the present piece. See Noble, G., The Problem with the Picts, in Current Archaeology, issue 134, June 2020.

With a sturdy hoop and facetted shoulders, octagonal bezel with intaglio image of a standing helmetted warrior holding a sword and a shield, a large bird standing at his feet. 10.40 grams, 25.27 mm overall, 20.90 mm internal diameter (approximate size British X 1/2, USA 11 3/4, Europe 26.92, Japan 25)



Private collection formed since the 1940s. UK art market. Property of an Essex gentleman.

Mixed group including a model horse, a model ecclesiastical throne, musket and pistol balls, and other items. 5.13 kg total, 13-132 mm



Found Hertfordshire, UK.