362 (20)

335

FingerRings

the form of a sexfoil, and which is likewise from London, forms part of the Mitchiner collection (Mitchiner 1986, 89 no. 192). Finger rings cast in one piece, by contrast, are decorated on the outside with simple pattems such as transverse lines, lozenges, or chevrons either round the upper half of the hoop or all of it. From the size of the one-piece rings, which rangę from 14mm to 20mm, it is possible to suggest that they were usually wom on the upper joints of fingers and probably most freąuently on the little finger, or by children. One of the composite rings with a diameter of 25mm would, however, have been too large for a child.

Despite the fact that very few rings of this character have previously received attention in print, they were obviously mass-produced. Two from deposits in London separated by some one hundred years are in a similar design, although of differing size (nos. 1632 & 1633, fig 218), and no. 1639 is paralleled by an example in the collection of the Museum of London (MoL acc. no. 80.70/ 20). A close stylistic affinity between these one-piece rings and many pilgrim badges, miniaturę strap-ends and other pewter jewellery is readily apparent, cross-hatching, for example, is a com-mon form of decoration on them all. A few of the rings may indeed have been pilgrim souvenirs, especially three with bezels in the form of face masks (nos. 1641-43, fig 218). One takes the form of a crowned head and another that of a mitred head, which could have commemorated visits to the shrines of St Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey and St Thomas at Canter-bury. The sorrowful face portrayed on the third ring is similar, but not identical to another exam-ple from London in a private collection (Mitchiner 1986, 89, no. 191). A previous suggestion, however, that a pewter ring embellished with a cluster of false Stones could have been a momen-to of Edward the Confessor’s ring (Spencer 1980, 21, no. 81) is now considered unlikely (Brian Spencer pers. comm.). It is, indeed, apparent that many of the finger rings with false-stone settings imitated those set with gemstones or glass, thus the form and setting of no. 1636 is close to that of no. 1610, a gold finger ring set with a cabochon gamet, and also that of no. 1620, a brass finger ring set with green glass.

Table 7 Finger rings - metals used (1) = possibly silver gilt