Medieval, Crusaders Era Bronze Exceptional Swiss / Alpine Ring – Massive Ribbed Anulus with Costae – Collector Quality, 12th–15th (No reserve price)

A piece of the past, made to be worn
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Exceptional Medieval Swiss / Alpine Ring – Massive Ribbed Anulus with Costae – Collector Quality, 12th–15th Century AD
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Object Type: Ribbed Finger Ring (Anulus)
Culture: Medieval Swiss / Alpine
Period: ca. 12th–15th Century AD
Material: Metal Alloy, Probably Bronze
Technique: Cast and Hand-Finished
Form: Massive Annular Form with Continuous Circumferential Ribs
Decoration: Parallel Raised Bands (Costae) Separated by Grooves (Sulci)
Tradition: Medieval Swiss / Alpine Metalwork
Symbolic Character: Soliditas, Fortitudo et Simplicitas
Condition: Exceptionally Well Preserved; Collector Quality, with Deep Green Archaeological Patina (Patina Viridis) and Mineral Accretions
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-Cultural and Iconographic Assessment Certificate: available upon request (PDF format)
-All shipments are sent fully insured
-During photography, a warm-toned lighting setup reminiscent of museum display illumination was used to emphasize the object's surface details and historic character in a natural manner.
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Dimensions:
Outer Diameter : 19.12 mm ±
Inner Diameter : 15.66 mm ±
Weight : 2.87 g

Ring size conversion chart
EU : 49
US : 5
UK : J½
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Description
This substantial Medieval Swiss ring, fashioned from a metal alloy, probably bronze, is distinguished by its massive annulus and the series of parallel circumferential ribs extending continuously around its exterior. Raised bands (costae), separated by pronounced grooves (sulci), create a disciplined geometric rhythm, making the entire hoop itself the principal field of ornamentum.

The robust construction and restrained linear decoration correspond well with the aesthetic vocabulary of Medieval Alpine and Central European metalwork, where repetitive geometric forms frequently provided powerful ornament without the need for a bezel, gemstone or figural device. The broad profile and uninterrupted ribbing emphasize soliditas, fortitudo and simplicitas—solidity, strength and formal restraint.

Particularly noteworthy is the ring's exceptionally well-preserved and complete condition. Its massive circular profile and individual costae remain clearly defined, while the deep green archaeological patina (patina viridis), mineral accretions and naturally aged surface give the piece a particularly compelling archaeological character. Its structural completeness, distinctive ribbed form and attractive ancient surface give it a strong collector-quality presence.

With its monumental profile and characteristic concentric ornament, the piece represents a striking example of personal adornment within the Medieval Swiss / Alpine tradition, broadly ca. 12th–15th century AD.

Information
The offered object was acquired in 2026 through an auction associated with A.N. Auction House in Germany and was transferred to us in 2026 by its previous owner, N.A., based in the Netherlands

The object has been documented using high-resolution equipment; no intervention has been made to its form or structural integrity, and only limited color-balance adjustment has been applied.

Upon request, museum-standard technical photographs may be provided during the auction; if requested prior to shipment, an expert report and a signed ownership document issued in the buyer’s name can be supplied in PDF format within 3–5 business days

Statements regarding dating, function, symbolic interpretation, and material identification represent high-probability academic assessments based on typological comparisons, parallels in museum collections, and expert opinion; definitive conclusions require advanced laboratory analysis and fall outside the scope of the platform’s sales process.

Prospective buyers are advised to evaluate the images in conjunction with the stated measurements, as high-resolution photography may influence perceived scale. Throughout the presentation and sales process, principles of scholarly consistency, transparency, and good faith are observed, and no object is knowingly offered as a copy or imitation.