Ancient Roman bangle handed into police

NEW ZEALAND POLICE NEW ZEALAND POLICE

FRAMED UP: The blue glass bangle is mounted in an ornate silver frame with an engraved plaque

ANCIENT BLING: An Roman bangle handed into police is believed to be more than 2000 years old.

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An ancient Roman bangle, believed to be more than 2000 years old, has turned up in Palmerston North.

The bangle was handed in to police, who believe it may have been taken from either a museum or a collector 10 or 12 years ago.

Experts at Victoria University have examined the bangle and believe it to be authentic, which would place its origins in the 1st Century AD.

It is a blue glass bangle mounted in an ornate silver frame with an engraved silver plaque.

The plaque reads ''Roman Glass Bangle. 1st Century AD. Funerary Offering. Found in home.''

Police enquiries to date have failed to find the item's legitimate owner.

Sergeant Paul Claridge, from Palmerston North Police, said it was the most unique piece of property he had ever dealt with.

''It's impossible to put a monetary value on an item of this kind, but I am sure it is very precious to someone and I am really keen to return it to where it belongs.''

Anyone who has any information about this bangle is asked to contact Palmerston North Police on (06) 351 3600 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

- © Fairfax NZ News