Talismanic silver ring. Wester, 14th or 15th century

A talismanic silver ring.

Western European, possibly English, 14th or 15th century.

Ring size Z+2 UK / 13.5 US.

Weighs 6.5 grams.

The ring is engraved with the letters ’S I L V A V O B O T V M’, separated by thirteen raised bars. The raised bars would have been handled during prays, serving as a palm rosary. The inscription which is unidentified represents an abbreviated latin sentence which is either devotional or amuletic.

Similar examples can be found in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Accession Numbers: M.336-1975, M.232-1962 and M.231-1962.