In the picture it looks like those markings show a "tally" that is 5. That is denoted twice, as four lines then the 5th line laid across the other single 1's diagonally (that is a tally mark) Then after that you see the roman numeral for 5 which is V. Now the significance of that I'm not sure 100%. It could have been the maker's mark of what particular piece this one was. So it was perhaps piece 5. Another thought is that could be an anniversary ring to designate 5 yrs. A custom job no doubt. Grasping at straws here.Thank you, MDM!!
I hope not, but I kind of have to agree, Steve!
This pic is for cellrdwellr:
Ring I Found Got Exponentially Cooler!
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*Cali Girl*
Elite Member
Such an amazing find!!! Congrats, Jon!!
Thanks, Rob. I recognize them as tally marks, as well. The V is open bottom, so I'm not sure if it's a V or two hash marks, making it 7. It's a head-scratcher!
Thanks, Ashley! I got a call from the town's museum yesterday, and they should be able to help me in the next couple of weeks. Pretty excited to figure out who this woman was, and who the owner of the ring was.
triplehooked
Elite Member
I second this... I've "loaned" finds to local museums/historical societies and have never seen them displayed nor had them returned. I've also tried the route of giving items to them specifying to please display it as "donated by a local metal detectorist" to help propagate the hobby. That didn't work either. So now I offer them to the permission owner or keep them..I think you mean 1837, eh ?
But as you say, moot point since this was some photographic method to be used for just-this-purpose. And since there's no shortage of photography buffs out there, and no shortage of history on the history of photography in general, that : Someone should have something to say about this.
As far as donating it to a museum "on loan", be aware that not too many museums these days accept the terms of "on loan". Because there were horror stories of persons (or surviving family kin, etc...) barging into museums saying "give me back my item now". And then workers must stop everything they're doing, open cabinets, etc.... Or heaven forbid it was in storage somewhere and the museum or city can't find something that someone "loaned" 20 yrs. earlier. The lawyers get called, etc....
So most all museums now will only take donations. Not loans. Also the stipulation that some people used to try that : "Must be displayed". All such stipulations are avoided by museums, lest it turn into a situation where the general public is, in essence, dictating what will be the floor layout. As if the museum themselves can't make changes, decisions, etc....
It would have to be something over the top ridiculous to accept any constrictive terms like "on loan". Eg.: If you could prove that that was the wife of the founder of the richest mine gold strike in your district, or ....... you get the picture.
The Rebel
Forum Supporter
That's an amazing find and to top it off it had a perfectly preserved photo inside.
Based on the Eagle motif as well as the design, my guess it was mass produced, sold by photo shops for soldiers going off to war to remind them of home.
As far as time period l would guess probably 1861.
Based on the Eagle motif as well as the design, my guess it was mass produced, sold by photo shops for soldiers going off to war to remind them of home.
As far as time period l would guess probably 1861.
CacheFinder
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AWESOME. If I found this, I would still be dancing lol. Would be awesome to know the full history on it. Congratulations.
Thank you, The Rebel. This makes sense!
Thank you, CacheFinder. I certainly am still dancing! :-)
CacheFinder
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Lol, it made me dance for you. Big congratulations.
woodbutcher
Forum Supporter
That is a incredible find. Big congrats
Very Very Cool!! Congrats on such a great find, and finding it in such good condition. I know next to nothing about photography, but maybe the process used was Ambrotype, which superceded Daguerreotype? Ambrotype was introduced in the 1850's, and after that would've been Tin Type. Also, maybe the characteristics of the Eagle will help narrow down the age of the item. Anyway, hope you're able to find out more information about the ring.
Thank you for the jig, CacheFinder! That made me smile!
Thank you, woodbutcher! I'm very lucky to have found it, for sure!
Thank you, Sorthious! Still riding the high! And thanks for the info! I hadn't thought of the other types you mentioned. Been too long since I learned about them, I suppose. I'm going to look them up and see if they fit! Cheers!
Such a cool find. Doing a little searching and was wondering if you saw this one?
https://www.abrandtandson.com/products/victorian-14k-monogram-w-floral-motif-locket-ring
Very similar overall design, but different engravings. It even has the same floral design and hash marks on the inside rim of tiny door.
https://www.abrandtandson.com/products/victorian-14k-monogram-w-floral-motif-locket-ring
Very similar overall design, but different engravings. It even has the same floral design and hash marks on the inside rim of tiny door.
Tom_in_CA
Elite Member
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Excellent excellent sleuthing work. I will make sure my friend Jon sees this. Thanx.
Wow! Great job finding a simliar ring! And yes, even the hash marks! Wow! Thank you for sharing this, jl1252!
And thanks for letting me know, Tom! :-)
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Glad I could help. I enjoy researching everyones finds!
To me your ring screams gold rush. The eagle motif reminds me of the eagles found on the miners buckles.
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Tom_in_CA
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Yes, thanx again. And yes, we mused that the Eagle looked like some of the east coast colonial eagle motifs (like on G.W. buttons).
But in the final analysis, I think you're right that it bears more resemblance to those seen on a few of the G.R. Buckles. So your link's mention of "1880s" would be the later end of the date range that I'd allow for this.
JohnCFL
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Thought you might like to see it this way.
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