Islamic Medieval Ring – Tentative Reading “Allah / Ali” (No reserve price)

02
days
11
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53
minutes
23
seconds
Current bid
€ 76
No reserve price
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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Islamic medieval bronze ring with a round bezel engraved with a tentative Arabic inscription reading Allah or Ali, accompanied by a stylised animal figure, outer diameter about 23.5 mm and inner diameter about 21 mm, in good wearable condition with natural patina.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

An original Islamic medieval bronze ring, featuring a round bezel engraved with an Arabic inscription, accompanied by a stylised animal figure, possibly a lion or horse, symbolising strength and protection.

The inscription is hand-engraved and worn, making a definitive reading impossible; however, based on visible letter forms and comparative epigraphy, the most plausible readings are:

“Allah” (الله)

or alternatively “Ali” (علي)

Such inscriptions are commonly found on early Islamic rings and are typically associated with faith, divine protection, blessing, or personal devotion. Rings of this type were often used as personal seals or talismanic objects.

The script style suggests an early Islamic / medieval Arabic hand, likely dating between the 8th and 11th centuries AD.

Dimensions:

Outer diameter: +- 23.5 mm

Inner diameter: +- 21 mm

Material:

Bronze Alloy

Condition:

Good and wearable condition

Natural patina consistent with age

Signs of surface wear and engraving softening due to long-term use

Provenance:

Islamic world (exact region unknown)

Notes:

The inscription reading is tentative and offered as an academic interpretation rather than a definitive translation.

Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).

An original Islamic medieval bronze ring, featuring a round bezel engraved with an Arabic inscription, accompanied by a stylised animal figure, possibly a lion or horse, symbolising strength and protection.

The inscription is hand-engraved and worn, making a definitive reading impossible; however, based on visible letter forms and comparative epigraphy, the most plausible readings are:

“Allah” (الله)

or alternatively “Ali” (علي)

Such inscriptions are commonly found on early Islamic rings and are typically associated with faith, divine protection, blessing, or personal devotion. Rings of this type were often used as personal seals or talismanic objects.

The script style suggests an early Islamic / medieval Arabic hand, likely dating between the 8th and 11th centuries AD.

Dimensions:

Outer diameter: +- 23.5 mm

Inner diameter: +- 21 mm

Material:

Bronze Alloy

Condition:

Good and wearable condition

Natural patina consistent with age

Signs of surface wear and engraving softening due to long-term use

Provenance:

Islamic world (exact region unknown)

Notes:

The inscription reading is tentative and offered as an academic interpretation rather than a definitive translation.

Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).

Details

Culture
Islamic
Century/ Timeframe
C. 8th–11th Century
Name of object
Medieval Ring – Tentative Reading “Allah / Ali”
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
The NetherlandsVerified
6
Objects sold
Private

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