✅ SOLVED 1850’s gold rush “insurance ring” ??

[IMAUDIGGER]

Found at an 1850’s mining camp.
First impression was “what the heck is this?”

Then it fit on my finger like a ring..somewhat comfortable, but one of the “spurs” are worn down where it will cut your finger if you are not careful.

I’m thinking it is a men’s ring that was designed for a large heavy gold nugget.
I’ve read where the miners wore rings and buckles with large nuggets that they could trade/gamble if times got bad.

Is my imagination running wild? Never seen a ring in this style...
One spur is worn and the other looks like the tip broke.

 

[diggingthe1]

Great piece, it might be the ring off an old candlestick holder. Your thumb would rest on the top of the ring and your pointer would fit inside to carry the candle. I had found one that stumped me for a while. Cool find!!!

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Ok that might be a possibility.more plausible than it being a ring

 

[CC Hunter]

Finger ring from a brass chamberstick (candle holder) is indeed correct as suggested. The chambersticks come in a variety of sizes and styles. They will generally date to the first half of the 19th century.

CC Hunter

 

[rick67]

They nailed that one. Mine from a while back.

 

[Carolina Tom]

I like the way you think. I’m going with “nugget ring”, much cooler than candle stick thingy.

Good luck sir.

 

[Hawks88]

Nice find. Candle holder ring in my opinion.

 

[A2coins]

nice little relic