Ancient Hellenistic Roman Bronze Signet Ring Size 3 Inscribed Bezel c. 2nd C BC- For Sale

ncient Hellenistic / Roman Bronze Inscribed Signet Ring (US Size 3 — c. 2nd Century BC – 2nd Century AD)

Authenticity & Guarantee

• Provenance: Ex-private European collection, legally acquired from international sales; Classical Mediterranean / Roman Sphere.

Item Specifications & Exact Dimensions

• Object: Cast Bronze Signet Ring with Raised Oval Inscribed Bezel

• Culture / Period: Hellenistic to Early Roman Imperial Era

• Date Range: Circa 2nd Century BC – 2nd Century AD (c. 200 BC – 200 AD)

• Ring Size: US Size 3 (approx. 13.5 mm internal diameter)

• Material: Cast Bronze (Copper Alloy)

• Form & Architecture: Solid cast hoop with tapered shoulders rising to a flat, oval bezel matrix; bezel face displays faint incised linear characters/graffito representing personal owner initials or a simplified monogram; open overlapping terminal band at the base

• Condition: Exceptional, complete ancient condition. Intact hoop and bezel structure, crisp shoulder transitions, preserved under an authentic dark olive-green to charcoal bronze patina with subtle light-earthen burial deposits. Free of modern restoration or tooling.

Hellenistic & Roman Signet Ring Traditions

In the Hellenistic and Roman worlds, signet rings (annuli) served as vital instruments of personal identity and administrative security. Citizens, merchants, and military officers used metal signet rings to press unique monograms or symbols into soft wax or clay seals, authenticating contracts, letters, and household stores.

Personal Graffito & Monogram Inscriptions

While high-status elites often possessed intaglios carved into gemstones, bronze signet rings with hand-incised letters or linear monograms were widely worn by regional merchants and soldiers. These light engravings allowed the owner to mark personal property and establish a verifiable personal signature across trade routes in the Mediterranean basin.

Typological Analysis & Exact Classification

• Primary Class: Classical Antiquity Personal Adornment / Signet Ring

• Sub-Class: Flat-Bezel Inscribed Bronze Signet Ring Class

Comparable Archaeological Examples & Museum Accession Numbers

• British Museum (Accession No. 1917,0501.782): Roman bronze signet ring with engraved bezel monogram.

• Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession No. 74.51.4215): Hellenistic / Roman bronze ring with flat inscribed bezel.

• Ashmolean Museum (AN1927.421): Ancient Roman copper-alloy signet ring with owner initials.

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