This is a copper alloy sewing ring, dating back to the late medieval period, specifically the 14th to 15th century. It was discovered during an excavation conducted by the Winchester Excavation Committee in the Brooks area of Winchester in the late 1960s.
What sets this sewing ring apart is its construction. Unlike thimbles from later time periods, this sewing ring is not cast but rather made from a strip of metal bent into a circular shape, featuring hand-punched indentations. The open end of the ring allows the wearer's fingertip to remain free, facilitating the grasp of lightweight objects like thread and pins while also preventing sweat from accumulating. This particular artifact is cataloged in Professor Martin Biddle's 1990 book titled "Winchester Studies 7.ii, Objects and Economics in Medieval Winchester," under catalog number 2502, where more detailed information about its historical context and significance may be available.