Post Byzantine Ring with Inscription. 17th-19th century A.D. A bronze finger ring with discoid bezel, the Greek word '?????' (fish) incised upon the oval bezel in the central field, between two stars. See Wamser, L., Die Welt von Byzanz - Europas Östliches Erbe, München, 2004, item 634, for the type. 3.22 grams, 22.63 mm overall, 18.51 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17) (1 in.) European art market before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. The representation of a fish on this ring suggests that it was a later copy of an early Christian original, considering the connection of the Christian faith with the fish symbol. The ancient Greek: '?????', was an acronym for the phrase ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God’, in Greek, and was used by early Christians for this reason. The fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome and was used as a recognition symbol among the early Christians. [No Reserve]

Fine condition.