Anyone recognize this symbol on the gold ring I found?

[cudamark]

I found an 18K gold ring with initials and a date inscribed ,so, I'm trying to do some research to find whoever might have lost it. It has Esse Duam Videri in a ribbon below a symbol but it's backwards, as if it's used as a sealing wax stamp. I know what the latin phrase means and that it's a motto for many schools and organizations, but, I don't recognize the symbol above it. Any help in I.D.ing this thing is appreciated. It was found in New Zealand if that has any bearing on the symbol. Kinda looks like a martini glass with flames coming out the top!

 

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[cudamark]

I found an 18K gold ring with initials and a date inscribed ,so, I'm trying to do some research to find whoever might have lost it. It has Esse Duam Videri in a ribbon below a symbol but it's backwards, as if it's used as a sealing wax stamp. I know what the latin phrase means and that it's a motto for many schools and organizations, but, I don't recognize the symbol above it. Any help in I.D.ing this thing is appreciated. It was found in New Zealand if that has any bearing on the symbol. Kinda looks like a martini glass with flames coming out the top!

Photo didn't go through for some reason.....I'll try again.....

 

[OldNBroken]

Extremely common phrase used by many many schools, organizations and other entities. Might be tough to nail down. Based on the insignia I would lean towards a fraternal or sporting organization. Looks like some nice gold though

 

[DainBrammage]

Definition of ESSE QUAM VIDERI

: to be rather than to seem —motto of North Carolina

 

[mrwilburino]

Looks like a chalice but could also be a menorah.

 

[cudamark]

Extremely common phrase used by many many schools, organizations and other entities. Might be tough to nail down. Based on the insignia I would lean towards a fraternal or sporting organization. Looks like some nice gold though

Yes, very common, that's my problem. I just thought it odd that it's backwards. I haven't seen a version like it anywhere. I'm hoping the symbol will help narrow it down a bit before I start my research.

 

[ARC]

Cuda... is the ring marked with an "18k" mark ?
Gold looks like a higher karat to me from pic... could be just pic.

 

[OldNBroken]

Backwards because it's a seal ring. Sorry I thought that was given.

 

[Hendrix]

Backwards because it's a seal ring. Sorry I thought that was given.

This.

Used for wax seals on documents and letters.

 

[deepsecrets]

Your ring features a fire beacon - A beacon is a signal tower, consisting of a pole with a fire-basket at the top, and a ladder on one side for those who feed the fire. It is always drawn flammant, but the fact is often explicitly blazoned. The beacon is found in the arms of Daunt, c.1510, but it’s better known as one of the badges of Henry V, d.1422. I have not found any connection between the motto and the beacon element.

 

[cudamark]

Thanks for the added info deepsecrets. I wonder if it might have a military connection. Inside the band is a date inscribed.... 9-5-45, which considering the country in which the ring was found, is the 9th of May 1945.........V E day. The maker logo is "W&AM" There are also hallmarks of a crown and a tiger (I think) head, with the 18K mark in between. There are also initials from one person to another. I can't decide if it's a wedding ring, graduation ring, military ring, sealing ring, or maybe some combination. Maybe a family heirloom that was reused for another purpose?

 

[deepsecrets]

Based on your hallmarks it appears that the ring was made in London UK. The maker is W&A Mussett. There should be another letter mark to indicate the year. W&A M was first registered in 1921.

 

[cudamark]

I don't see any other marks. Where would the year mark be located?

 

[deepsecrets]

The year mark should be in series with the Leopard, Crown, 18, (year letter) ,then the W&AM. The letter initial should be "M" which would indicate 1927 - 1947.

 

[cudamark]

The series appears in this order.....L to R and right side up.......crown, 18, leopard, then a big gap with a tiny 1 or I that could be at the seam, then the W&AM. Maybe it was resized at one point and most of the M was lost? If it's a fire beacon on the face above the wreath, it doesn't have a ladder like what was depicted in the Duant and Henry V references. Do you know of any military groups who may have adopted that logo and motto? Maybe a signalman corps? Or press corps? I keep thinking there has to be some connection with VE day and the military.

 

[deepsecrets]

Okay - that "I" indicates the year - 1944. The missing ladder might be a clue - will do some more digging. Jewelers of that era would have kept records of custom work - possible records still exist. I would recommend contacting The Goldsmith's Company in London (The Goldsmiths' Company) they might be able to help find out what became of W&A Mussett.

This may just be coincidence however the motto was used by the Beaconsfield School located in Tasmania Australia - I cannot find any reference to show a vintage crest for that school.

 

[cudamark]

Thanks Deepsecrets, I've sent an e-mail to Goldsmiths to see what they may know. I checked out the Beaconsfield school but it looks to be a fairly recent primary school.....not one that would have graduation rings. It was a good thought though, since they use that motto and their name has "beacon" in it. The only school crest I see shown for them is a crossed pick and shovel. I guess I'll scan through some of the endless schools and other organizations that use that motto.....

 

[deepsecrets]

Beaconsfield was founded in 1883, there is a book on it's history but requires purchase to get any information, not saying this is related - just coincidence - the crest of Beaconsfield, UK features a fire beacon.

Anyway, it's been a challenge and lot of fun trying to identify your ring - really cool find - and I hope you get some useful information from Goldsmiths!

Cheers!!

 

[cudamark]

deepsecrets, where did you get the info that W&AM is W and A Mussett, and a UK jewelry firm. I've tried to Google it and can't seem to find anything. Goldsmiths told me the only thing they have is an Albert Alfred Mussett Sr. and Jr. who were in the jewelry business around that time, but it would seem to me that they would use A&AM as a mark.

 

[deepsecrets]

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