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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