Dealer Information Dealer: Ancient-Jewellery Location: Avon, United Kingdom Tel: Email: glypticbob@gmail.com

Hellenistic Greek bronze signet ring musician early bagpipe

Code: 11978

Website: https://www.antiquesboutique.com/general-other-rings/hellenistic-greek-bronze-signet-ring-musician-early-bagpipe/itm80370

This is an ancient Hellenistic Greek bronze signet ring, dating from the 3rd - 1st century BC. It has a pointed oval bezel, cut with a device of a musical wind instrument and a trumpet. The first object represents an ''askaulos'' or early form of bagpipe with drones and chanter. The second object is a ''salpinx" or trumpet type of wind instrument. Both these instruments set upon a signet would indicate the owner to have been a musician, used to seal and authenticate their letters and transactions. 

The ring is in good excavated condition and can still be worn with care. This is the first I have seen representing musical instruments, especially an early form of bagpipe! RARE

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Greek / Hellenistic

DATE: c. 3rd - 1st century BC

MATERIAL: Bronze

RING SIZE:   8 1/2 (US)   Q 3/4 (UK)

SIZE: 23.22mm x 23.23mm x 2.40mm (bezel 19.63mm x 11.95mm)

WEIGHT: 4.71 gram

PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection, Portugal