Victorian Enamel St. George & the Dragon Ring
An antique Austro-Hungarian silver ring c. 1880, depicting the ancient tale of St George slaying the Dragon. Beautifully articulated with a rich Rennaissance vibe, the details are picked out in vibrant multi-color enamel.
Details: It's a comfortable ring worn, with the narrative carved on a curve to follow the shape of the finger. Measuring approximately 1 1/16" north to south at the highest in front, with a 3.10 mm width at the center back of the band. Not hallmarked, but professionally tests to at least 900 silver.
Size: 8, not resizable due to the enamel.
Condition: In excellent condition with a rich patina and some wear to the enamel in places. (please examine photos) Very wearable, no significant scratches, dings or visible damage to the metal work.
History: According to Christian tradition, George was a Greek solider in the Roman army in the third century AD, who was executed after he refused to repudiate his Christian faith, after which he was honored as a martyr and eventually cannonized. There are many versions of the allegorical St. George and the dragon tale, with several common key details:
- A town was terrorised by a dragon.
- A young virgin was offered to the dragon.
- George arrived to defend the town.
- George killed the dragon and rescued the virgin.
Generally speaking, the dragon is a metaphor for the Devil/evil; in a few versions St. George's victory inspires the pagan townspeople to convert to Christianity. With origins as far back as the 11th century, the version of St. George on horseback seems to first appear in the 15th century.