Viking - Gold Twist Ring > Lot No. 837

Description:
8th-11th century AD. A Viking finger ring , the band comprising six thick (about 1.5mm) wires tightly plaited; the wires thicker at the centre to provide an expanding band, fused at the base.

Measurements:
11.63 grams, 28mm ext.dia. 20 mm int.dia.

Condition:
Extremely fine, wearable.

References:
Cf. construction methods of silver rings in the Vaalse hoard in Hårdh, Silver in the Viking Age: A Regional Economic Study, Stockholm, 1996.

Provenance:
Property of a gentleman.

Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000 (EUR 2,390 - 3,580; USD 3,170 - 4,750)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £5,000