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Medieval Crusader Knights Templar Era Bronze Etched Signet Ring (US Size 5 — c. 1100–1300 AD)
Authenticity & Guarantee
Item Specifications & Exact Dimensions
Object: Cast Bronze Signet Ring with Hand-Etched / Incised Bezel Matrix
Culture / Period: Medieval Crusader Era / Knights Templar Period
Date Range: Circa 1100 AD – 1300 AD (c. 12th–14th Century AD)
Ring Size: US Size 5 (approx. 15.7 mm internal diameter)
Material: Cast Bronze (Copper Alloy)
Form & Architecture: Flat oval bezel plate mounted atop a sturdy rounded hoop; bezel face hand-etched with sharp linear graffito forming a stylized cross / star / palm spray seal matrix; flared shoulders incised with geometric chevron accents
Condition: Exceptional, complete ancient condition. Crisp incised graffito detailing on the bezel and shoulders, structurally complete original hoop, displaying a deep charcoal-green bronze patina with pale sandy-white earthen burial deposits in the recessed grooves. Free of modern restoration or tooling.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT & TYPOLOGICAL LORE
Crusader & Templar Personal Signets
During the 12th and 13th centuries across Crusader garrisons, military orders, and pilgrimage routes, bronze signet rings were carried by knights, sergeants, and administrative officials. Etched with personalized linear icons or stylized cross sprays, these rings functioned as personal wax seals for securing correspondence, field ledgers, and property pouches across the Holy Land.
Etched Matrix Mechanics & Iconography
The hand-chased linear graffito on the oval bezel allowed the wearer to press a distinct, recognizable emblem into hot sealing wax or soft clay bullae. The flared shoulders featuring incised geometric chevrons reinforced the structural strength of the hoop while providing traditional military ornamentation suited for daily field wear.
Typological Analysis & Exact Classification
Comparable Archaeological Examples & Museum Accession Numbers
British Museum (Accession No. 1917,0501.912): Medieval Crusader bronze signet ring with incised oval bezel.
Israel Museum, Jerusalem: Crusader-period bronze signet rings with linear graffito matrices from Acre and Jerusalem strata.
Louvre Museum (Inv. No. OA 3982): Medieval Levantine bronze signet ring with incised geometric bezel.
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