A few recent finds plus need ID help on an unusual item

[Bill D. (VA)]

Got out again recently with my friend Dan to go back to a couple sites he had researched and gotten permission for. I dug a few more of the late 1700s/early 1800s buttons and a few other period items. Finally got the first coin out of this field - an 1838 LC in pretty decent shape. I also dug a strange item that I almost tossed as trash, but when I got home and cleaned the dirt off I could clearly see an eagle on the side. When I first dug it I thought it resembled part of a pewter ring but both Dan and I dismissed that idea quickly. But after cleaning and seeing the details and the shape I'm about 95% sure it is in fact part of a ring. It also has a round area on top that obviously held a large stone. Has anyone seen anything like this before? Based on the other finds in the area it probably dates to the early 1800s. Appreciate any additional info that you can provide on this item. Below are pics summarizing my finds from the 2 hunts at this site. Had a lot of fun Dan - many thanks again for the invite ..... Bill

 

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[Scottso]

as always your finds stink just kidding nice haul

 

[tomjiggy]

Very nice finds. The piece you found looks like a graduation ring similar to the one I bought when I graduated from boot camp. I'm not sure how old it is but it has the eagle on the side and that hole in the top would be where the stone would fit.

http://www.jostens.com/rings/custom_rings_jewelry_cp_military.html

This looks similar, but keep in mind that they can be customized.

 

[olekyground]

Great finds! Keep on swinging!

 

[HomeGuardDan]

Bill,
it is funny that it ended up being exactly what we both thought it was. I have never seen one made out of pewter, but I guess it could be a white metal form. I have a ring with the same eagle on it - then again Beau dug one similar as well that was civil war period. Either way, it will be fun trying to figure it out. Got your emails, will get back to you soon - was busy watching the Giants WIN!!!!!!!!

Had a blast and we will get together again and scratch at a few more new sites especially now that hunting season is over.

Dan

 

[Ken in Georgia]

Nice start, Love the LC

 

[metalev4]

Nice digs Bill. Thats a good looking large cent and interesting ring. Looks like you might be on to some spots with excellent potential.
-Evan

 

[Valley Ranger]

Very nice finds. The piece you found looks like a graduation ring similar to the one I bought when I graduated from boot camp. I'm not sure how old it is but it has the eagle on the side and that hole in the top would be where the stone would fit.

http://www.jostens.com/rings/custom_rings_jewelry_cp_military.html

This looks similar, but keep in mind that they can be customized.

Yes, that was my first reaction as well - looks like part of an old ring.

 

[Steve in PA]

Nice finds Bill, I really like that concave button with the scalloped edges and the star in the middle!

 

[VMI99]

My two cents. Combat ring (cheap metal), made to be worn everyday, instead of a class ring (gold)...regrardless cool finds!

 

[jewelerguy]

no doubt it is part of a ring. my impression is that it is a patriotic ring made of pot metal and dates to either the Spanish-American war or WW1 era.

 

[BobinSouthVA]

Nice finds Bill