Medieval, Crusaders Era Silver Ring (No reserve price)
04
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22
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€ 1
No reserve price
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Medieval Crusader silver seal ring from the 12th–13th century AD, weight 6.26 g with inner diameter 18.5 mm (EU 58–59 / US 8.5–9), featuring a flat circular bezel and engraved shoulders, original patina and no gemstone, acquired in 2024 from a private European collection in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ancient Medieval Silver Seal Ring (Crusader Period, ca. 12th–13th Century AD)
Material: Silver
Weight: 6.26 g
Inner diameter: 18.5 mm
Approx. Ring size:
• EU: 58–59
• US: 8.5 – 9
Description
A beautifully preserved medieval Crusader silver seal ring featuring a flat circular bezel and decorated shoulders engraved with intersecting linear motifs. The design shows clear influence from Near Eastern geometric ornament adopted by Frankish settlers in the Levant.
The bezel has been naturally worn smooth through centuries of use, indicating prolonged functional sealing rather than decorative wear. The ring retains its original untouched patina with attractive grey toning and darker deposits within recesses.
Attribution & Identification
This is a medieval signet / seal ring, most consistent with the Crusader Levant (Frankish East – Kingdom of Jerusalem / Antioch region), 12th–13th century AD.
Key diagnostic features:
Flat circular bezel intended for wax sealing
Absence of gemstone (typical for practical seal rings used by knights, clerics, and administrators)
Incised geometric shoulder decoration — a known Crusader decorative vocabulary blending Western Romanesque with Near-Eastern ornament
Thick practical hoop, made for daily wear rather than ceremonial jewelry
Silver construction (bronze more common locally; silver associated with status / authority)
The bezel is worn smooth from repeated sealing — a strong authenticity indicator. These rings were repeatedly pressed into wax on documents, pouches, and containers, eventually erasing the original engraving.
Such rings served as personal identity devices, legally equivalent to a signature in medieval law.
Condition
Very Fine condition for type.
Original uncleaned patina
Wear consistent with authentic seal usage
No repairs
Structurally solid and wearable
Honest medieval surface preservation
Historical Context
During the Crusader states (1099–1291 AD), personal seals were essential administrative tools. Knights, merchants, clerics and officials used rings like this to:
Seal letters and contracts
Authenticate property ownership
Secure goods and storage chests
Mark authority and identity
The heavy wear on the bezel suggests prolonged official use — making this not merely jewelry, but a true working artifact of medieval governance.
Provenance:
Acquired from a private European collection, established in the late 1980s. A provenance document and declaration of legal origin can be provided in PDF format upon request.
This stunning example of Crusader-era jewelry is a tangible connection to the medieval past, making it an ideal addition for collectors or enthusiasts of historical artifacts. A wearable piece of history with profound cultural significance.
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Ancient Medieval Silver Seal Ring (Crusader Period, ca. 12th–13th Century AD)
Material: Silver
Weight: 6.26 g
Inner diameter: 18.5 mm
Approx. Ring size:
• EU: 58–59
• US: 8.5 – 9
Description
A beautifully preserved medieval Crusader silver seal ring featuring a flat circular bezel and decorated shoulders engraved with intersecting linear motifs. The design shows clear influence from Near Eastern geometric ornament adopted by Frankish settlers in the Levant.
The bezel has been naturally worn smooth through centuries of use, indicating prolonged functional sealing rather than decorative wear. The ring retains its original untouched patina with attractive grey toning and darker deposits within recesses.
Attribution & Identification
This is a medieval signet / seal ring, most consistent with the Crusader Levant (Frankish East – Kingdom of Jerusalem / Antioch region), 12th–13th century AD.
Key diagnostic features:
Flat circular bezel intended for wax sealing
Absence of gemstone (typical for practical seal rings used by knights, clerics, and administrators)
Incised geometric shoulder decoration — a known Crusader decorative vocabulary blending Western Romanesque with Near-Eastern ornament
Thick practical hoop, made for daily wear rather than ceremonial jewelry
Silver construction (bronze more common locally; silver associated with status / authority)
The bezel is worn smooth from repeated sealing — a strong authenticity indicator. These rings were repeatedly pressed into wax on documents, pouches, and containers, eventually erasing the original engraving.
Such rings served as personal identity devices, legally equivalent to a signature in medieval law.
Condition
Very Fine condition for type.
Original uncleaned patina
Wear consistent with authentic seal usage
No repairs
Structurally solid and wearable
Honest medieval surface preservation
Historical Context
During the Crusader states (1099–1291 AD), personal seals were essential administrative tools. Knights, merchants, clerics and officials used rings like this to:
Seal letters and contracts
Authenticate property ownership
Secure goods and storage chests
Mark authority and identity
The heavy wear on the bezel suggests prolonged official use — making this not merely jewelry, but a true working artifact of medieval governance.
Provenance:
Acquired from a private European collection, established in the late 1980s. A provenance document and declaration of legal origin can be provided in PDF format upon request.
This stunning example of Crusader-era jewelry is a tangible connection to the medieval past, making it an ideal addition for collectors or enthusiasts of historical artifacts. A wearable piece of history with profound cultural significance.
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Medieval, Crusaders Era
Metal
Silver
Century/ Timeframe
12th–13th Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Total weight
6.26 g
Year acquired
2024
Condition
Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear
Country acquired from
Europe
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Europe
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
