6th-7th century AD. A bronze finger ring with part of the D-section hoop remaining, large disc bezel bearing an incised central rectangle with saltire and chevron, surrounded by an inscription of twelve characters in Samaritan script. Cf. Guilhou, E., Catalogue of a Collection of Rings formed by the late E. Guilhou, Paris, 1912, item 841, for type. 2.66 grams, 20mm (3/4"). Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection. The Samaritans are an ethnic and religio sect whose traditions trace their origins in a northern Israelite kingdom which was overrun by the Assyrians in 722 BCE. Samaritans claim descent from Abraham through the biblical tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Their schism with mainstream Judaism took place at the end of the 4th century BC.