Ave!

Ring, Medieval, Men's, Magic, Travelers, ca. 13th-15th Cent

Copper alloy; 4.9gm, Ring size 8

Con/ As Cast and Fabricated; choice unblemished green patina

Description/ The band and bezel were cast as two parts, engraved, and then combined together. The shield-shaped bezel features a pair of wings to either side; between a river flanked my mountains.

Seller's Note/ Concerning medieval magic rings, accurate timing is difficult. These types of rings are called magic rings because they seem to have meaningful symbols; medieval people were superstitious and believed that things (health, crop, wealth, weather, cattle, security, salvation, protection against spirits, etc) could be effected with talismans, spells, etc., therefore it is believed that these rings were made as protective or influential talismanic items.

Ground-found in the north-west Balkans, the mountains certainly suggest the Slovenian Alps. Most likely this ring was worn by a merchant (from Zagreb or Belgrade?) who may have had frequent business connections in Vienna, or a similar city to the north.

So why the wings on this spectacular ring? Perhaps the symbolism refers to flying over the rivers and mountains on the wings of eagles to a fast and safe destination? Most likely this ring was used by the traveling merchant as a signet to seal important letters and documents.

Rings were made to be worn, not tucked away. The longer this ring is worn the better it will look.