Engraved Roman Style Bronze Legionary Auxiliary Archers Thumb Ring Circa 3rd-5th Century AD Aged with Dark Green Patina (1) Museum Reproduction RB0015

Ancient archers needed to protect their hands from the power of their own longbows during battle, and wore these rings on their bow-thumb, to protect it when drawing the bowstring. The bow was drawn by hooking the thumb around the string just under the arrow, and bracing it against the first finger. The ring would protect the thumb and the bowstring would zip right across it upon release. The original specimen was recovered from ancient battlefields in former Thrace/Macedonia, near the Black Sea (Bulgaria). Deliberately aged with oxidized green patina. A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.