Treasure Annual Report 1998-1999 - Portable Antiquities Scheme

of the keeled form, with triangular shoulders decorated
with two plain grooves and an oval bezel to which has
been soldered a thin plate with repoussé decoration
and a bezel ring surrounding it and covering its edge.
The motif on the bezel is of two clasped right hands
(dextrarum iunctio) within a beaded border.
Dimensions: Original diameter approximately 21 mm;
bezel: 13 x 11 mm overall; width of hoop at back: 2
mm; weight: 3.98g.
Note: Approximately 91 per cent for gold.
Disposition: Doncaster Museum
Valuation: £850
(fig. 21) Bawtry
22 Kirkby, Lincolnshire: Roman gold finger ring
(Fig. 22)
C M JOHNS
Date: 3rd century AD
Finder: Mr D Lambert
Date of discovery: 2 April 1999
Circumstances of discovery: While searching with a
metal-detector.
Description: The ring is of the ‘hunched shoulders’
form typical of the 3rd century AD. It has a prominent
raised oval bezel containing a truncated conical banded
gemstone. The outer face of the shoulders is hollowed
at the junction with the bezel. The cross-section of the
hoop is a rounded triangle. The ring is complete, but
Treasure Annual Report 1998 - 1999 17
17
Roman Artefacts
its hoop is quite heavily distorted. The gemstone and
its setting are intact and in good condition.
Dimensions: External (distorted) dimensions: 19.4 x
20.7 mm; bezel: 9 x 7.4 mm; weight: 4.34g.
Note: Approximately 94 per cent for gold. Gemstone:
sardonyx.
Disposition:Lincoln City and County Museum hopes
to acquire.
Valuation: £350
(fig. 22.1) Kirkby (fig. 22.2) Kirkby
R P J JACKSON
23 Marlborough area, Wiltshire: Roman gold ring
(Fig. 23)
Date: 3rd century AD
Finder: Mr M Thomas
Date of discovery: 15 August 1999
Circumstances of discovery: While searching with a
metal-detector.
Description: The ring has a large, raised oval bezel
containing a nicolo engraved with a figure of Fortuna
to the right, holding a steering oar in her left hand
and a cornucopia in her right (as seen in intaglio).
The shoulders are shaped with a deep hollow at the
point where they meet the bezel; the cross-section of
the hoop is a high, rounded triangle. The ring is
complete and in very good condition, though the gold
has the usual scars and scratches of wear and
handling. The whole hoop is bent to one side as
viewed from the shoulder, but it is not clear whether
this distortion is due to damage or whether the ring
was made in this asymmetrical form. The rubbed-over
gold holding the gem in place has suffered some
damage, leaving rough edges, but the gem itself is in