A fine Medieval bronze archer's ring, composed of a flat-section hoop band that extends into a triangular flange extension. The flange curves outwards, to fit the curve of the archer's release hand. The extension is decorated with a cross-hatched pattern border. The decoration finishes at the shoulders of the ring, with the rest of the band being plain. A beautiful dark patina and minor encrustation to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age and use, such as chipping and warping to the edges of the ring, scratches, and pitting. Archer's rings were worn on the thumb of the archer's release hand to protect it from the bowstring during a thumb draw. They were made from a range of materials, including leather, stone, bone, metals (such as bronze as with this piece), The bowstring would rest on the inner pad of the archer's thumb, so the ring would become a barrier against the string, with the string resting on the flat of the ring when the bow was drawn. They were both practical ornaments for archers and also came to be a symbol of power, used to signify social status and ranks. Measurements: W 2.2cm Closest UK Ring size: R 1/2 Provenance: Ex Wiltshire collection U.K., 30-40 years ago