The Marlborough Iconographic Ring

A late Medieval gold iconographic ring, circa 1400-1500,
depicting St. Christopher and the Christ Child, the plain D-shaped hoop with flat oval bezel incised with the figure of St Christopher wading left through water, holding a staff in his right hand and carrying the child Jesus on his back, Jesus holding an orb and raising his right hand in blessing, the surround chiselled to receive enamel decoration, (traces only remain), internal diameter 16mm. £3,000-£4,000

This ring was a detectorist find, discovered near Marlborough, Wiltshire.

The ring has been recorded on the Portable Antiquities Scheme database Ref. HAMP-88F882 and has subsequently been disclaimed as Treasure, Ref. 2019 T642.

St. Christopher was a man of great stature and height, who devoted his life to carrying travellers across a river. One day he carried a child who became heavier with every step. When questioned, the child revealed himself as Christ, bearing the weight of the world. This image is now believed to protect travellers, with St. Christopher revered as the Patron Saint of Travellers.

St. Christopher’s story was recounted in the 13th century text, The Golden Legend.