Good post. Indeed, Anglo-Saxon kings were known to have been gift and ring givers to their retianers. Athelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great, is considered of many to be the first king of England. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for 937 states "In this year King Athelstan, lord of nobles, dispenser of trearues to men". It is talking about the Battle of Brunanburh, but it shows that this process happened. I know there is another refrence to him somewhere about actually giving rings. I'll post it if I can find it.