Greek Ring with Animals. c.450 B.C. A bronze ring with rounded hoop tapering towards the pointed oval bezel, engraved with an image of a kantharos decorated with x-banded freeze, surmounted by a bird with its head turned back. Cf. Marshall, F. M., Catalogue of the Finger Rings Greek, Etruscan and Roman in the Departments of Antiquities of the British Museum, London, 1907 (1968), fig. CX, no.43, for the type. 2.31 grams, 24.68 mm overall, 20.75 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q, USA 8, Europe 17.49, Japan 16) (1 in.) Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK. Signet rings played an important part in ancient life. They were equivalent to the owner’s signature, hence the dangers of forgery could not be overlooked. In Athens, the 6th century Law of Solon forbade the ring-engravers to keep an impression of the engraved design when once a ring was sold. [No Reserve]

Fine condition.