Finger Ring Collection

Schlag (defensive) ring

Austria, Tyrol

19th century

Iron ring, the high, square and flat bezel with sharp edges, the hoop decorated with crossed lines

19.15 mm internal ring diameter; 105.7 g weight

Bought in Innsbruck

Presented by Dr C.D.E. Fortnum in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897; WA1897.CDEF.F550

This ring was owned by I Holl or Holz, a peasant who used it to kill an adversary. A law was subsequently passed forbidding their use.

Taylor and Scarisbrick, Finger Rings from Ancient Egypt to the present day, 1978, no. 470