Byzantine Silver alloy / billon Signet Ring with Cruciform Monogram (No reserve price)
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days
17
hours
47
minutes
13
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Current bid
€ 42
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
 | €42 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €35 | |
| €33 | |
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Byzantine signet ring with a cruciform monogram in silver alloy/billon, dating to ca. 6th–9th century AD, with an internal diameter ≈18 mm and bezel height ≈14 mm, in complete condition with a strong ancient patina and clearly visible engraving.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Period: Byzantine period, approximately 6th–9th century AD
Material: Silver alloy / billon
Internal diameter: approx. 18 mm
Bezel height: approx. 14 mm
Condition: Complete. Strong ancient patina, surface wear, oxidation and small deposits consistent with age. The engraved design remains clearly visible.
Ancient cast bronze signet ring with a broad circular bezel and expanding shoulders.
The bezel is engraved with a central cross dividing the field into four sections. Each quadrant contains a deeply incised, stylised letter-like symbol, forming what appears to be a cruciform monogram. This type of composition is characteristic of Byzantine personal signet rings, where letters were arranged around or incorporated into a cross to form a name, title, invocation or abbreviated formula.
The engraving appears to have been intended for sealing, meaning the design would originally have been viewed in reverse when impressed into wax or another soft material.
The ring has a substantial, well-worn hoop and a dark aged patina with areas of surface oxidation and encrustation. The signs of wear are consistent with considerable age and use.
Period: Byzantine period, approximately 6th–9th century AD
Material: Silver alloy / billon
Internal diameter: approx. 18 mm
Bezel height: approx. 14 mm
Condition: Complete. Strong ancient patina, surface wear, oxidation and small deposits consistent with age. The engraved design remains clearly visible.
Ancient cast bronze signet ring with a broad circular bezel and expanding shoulders.
The bezel is engraved with a central cross dividing the field into four sections. Each quadrant contains a deeply incised, stylised letter-like symbol, forming what appears to be a cruciform monogram. This type of composition is characteristic of Byzantine personal signet rings, where letters were arranged around or incorporated into a cross to form a name, title, invocation or abbreviated formula.
The engraving appears to have been intended for sealing, meaning the design would originally have been viewed in reverse when impressed into wax or another soft material.
The ring has a substantial, well-worn hoop and a dark aged patina with areas of surface oxidation and encrustation. The signs of wear are consistent with considerable age and use.
Details
Culture
Byzantine
Century/timeframe
ca. 6th–9th Century AD
Name of object
Signet Ring with Cruciform Monogram
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1990
Material
Silver alloy / billon
Country acquired from
Europe
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
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
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
