A medieval silver finger ring found near Cholmondeley has been donated to Nantwich Museum by the landowner and metal detector user who discovered it.
The ring, which qualifies as treasure under the Treasure Act 1996, dates from the 15th or early 16th century.
It is described as a silver ‘fede’ ring with a ridged bezel, diamond-shaped shoulders and a hoop connected by two clasped hands – the mark of a ‘fede’ ring.
Additional decorations include engraved rope-work and foliate tendrils.
The word ‘fede’ comes from the Italian ‘mani in fede’ meaning ‘hands in faith.’
They were associated with love and marriage as a token of loyalty.
Museum manager Denise Courcoux welcomed the donation, adding that it will form a valued part of the museum’s new treasure display.
The museum has also acquired a hoard of Elizabethan coins discovered at Bridgemere, near Nantwich (pictured, below).
The group of six hammered silver coins of Elizabeth I included one shilling and five sixpences.
They represent the higher range of silver denominations of the period and are likely to have been deposited on a single occasion towards the end of the 16th century.
They contain over 90% fine metal.
Both treasures came through the Portable Antiquities Scheme – a Department for Culture, Media & Sport project which encourages voluntary recording of archaeological objects found by the public in England and Wales.
Every year, thousands of objects are discovered, many by metal detector users, but also by people out walking, gardening or going about their daily work.
Contact Nantwich Museum on [email protected], call 01270 627104, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk
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