Help from the experts - Colonial Ring?

[FieldStone]

Didn't have much time today, but knew the ground wasn't frozen so went to the nearest cellar hole and gave it hell for 1.5hrs. Nails, and more nails. Move off the area and just found an open spot and started swinging. Saw a rock that seemed out of place and got a banging 32 on the equinox. Out pops what I believe is a ring, and an old one at that. Possible brass, or copper, not exactly sure. You can see the seam where it was bonded together, and a stamp on the inside. I think the stamp is MRK but difficult to tell.

First, is this a ring? I'm saying yes.
Second, what would this be made out of, as it does not appear to be gold and appears hand made?
Third, Age....what are we looking at here 1600's, 1700's, 1800's?

 

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[jewelerguy]

my opinion is that it's most likely mid-1800's. One of those bands that was once gold plated and 'karat' stamped with the intention of deception to the buyer

 

[smokeythecat]

I would yes to a ring. The only way to date it is to date what came out of the hole with it. Dated coins, what kind of nails, etc.

 

[FieldStone]

Ring is stamped MRK from what I can tell. It came from an old cellar hole where I found a few buttons, cut nails, and pewter fork.

 

[Argentium]

Looks like 14k to me , I would say early to mid. 20th C.

 

[smokeythecat]

That is a colonial period fork. Extensively used third quarter of the 18th century. Buttons without backmarks tend to be 18th century, the backmark really got into its own in the early 19th century.

 

[Argentium]

Considering that you found it in the cellar hole context , I think my guess is a century too recent , I think jewelerguy nailed it .

 

[CASPER-2]

the fork is very old - try and conserve it - they are rare to come out in that shape

 

[CRUSADER]

my opinion is that it's most likely mid-1800's. One of those bands that was once gold plated and 'karat' stamped with the intention of deception to the buyer

Agreed, it used to be a late 1800s plated ring.

 

[FieldStone]

the fork is very old - try and conserve it - they are rare to come out in that shape

Should I try some electrolysis on it?

 

[CRUSADER]

Should I try some electrolysis on it?

Why? All you are left with is the core of the ring, all the plating has gone. No cleaning will help.

 

[FieldStone]

electrolysis on the fork, not the ring

 

[DownNDirty]

Agreed, it used to be a late 1800s plated ring.

I agree. But as someone else posted I think the fork is a much better-and older-find than the ring. It's fairly rare to find an intact one like that. Congrats!

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

I’ve found rings like that at 1800’s farm sites. Some have a “14k” stamp and were obviously brass. Some have some gold plating, most are raw brass like yours.!

 

[CRUSADER]

I agree. But as someone else posted I think the fork is a much better-and older-find than the ring. It's fairly rare to find an intact one like that. Congrats!

True, never stated it was the best find.

 

[A2coins]

Nice finds cellar holes are hpney holes from what Ive seen

 

[A2coins]

Welcome to tnet. Tommy

 

[Inspector]

Both are very cool saves, congratulations on both

 

[CASPER-2]

I would not use anything more than a real soft brush - put in a ryker box if you got one - someone may have an idea of stabilizing it more
I know more guys that have "pine tree type coins" than have found 2 prong forks they are that rare

 

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

yeah I think the fork is worth preserving. it's iron and do display nicely once preserved. fairly common find at colonial sites but as a few others stated it's in good shape.