🥇 BANNER Is this 17g gold ring Freemasons or something else?

[TheLittleMan]

So I haven't posted in a while, but this one rang up on my Equinox 600, and I was pretty stoked. 18k gold ring, 17g.

I need some info on this, because I'm getting mixed reviews. Some say the motto "In Hoc Signo Vinces" makes it definitely Templar Masons, others say the scimitar makes it Shriners, still others look at the Maltese cross and say fireman! I'm sticking with Masons till I hear otherwise (there's a carving of a trowel on one side), but I need the thoughts of experts. If you need more pics, I'm sure I can do that.

I was hesitant to post this, because there is a name and location carved inside, and I'd like to help the homeowner get it back to its rightful place. This location in Minnesota goes back to the late 1800s.

 

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[GoDeep]

I can't make out the hand etched engraving in there from the picture of it sitting on the scale, but it looks like real old style script engraving and cool as hell! Can we see the hand engraving on the inside close up?

You have my banner vote!

 

[Ocean7]

well I don't think it's a Freemason's ring. Their main symbol on face ring has historically been this:

Regardless it's a very nice find!

 

[Digger RJ]

So I haven't posted in a while, but this one rang up on my Equinox 600, and I was pretty stoked. 18k gold ring, 17g.

I need some info on this, because I'm getting mixed reviews. Some say the motto "In Hoc Signo Vinces" makes it definitely Templar Masons, others say the scimitar makes it Shriners, still others look at the Maltese cross and say fireman! I'm sticking with Masons till I hear otherwise (there's a carving of a trowel on one side), but I need the thoughts of experts. If you need more pics, I'm sure I can do that.

I was hesitant to post this, because there is a name and location carved inside, and I'd like to help the homeowner get it back to its rightful place. This location in Minnesota goes back to the late 1800s.
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Super Awesome Ring!!!! Congrats!!!! Banner Vote here!!!

 

[jewelerguy]

it's a ring of the Elks lodge fraternal organization, and I must say it's a beauty. Incredible find, congrats!

 

[CRUSADER]

Not really a Ring person by I can appreciate the work that went into that one. Must be worth more than melt to someone - congrats.

 

[pepperj]

Awesome recovery and certainly a very personalized ring with the inside inscription.
Freemason
Here's a similar style side inscription.

10KT YELLOW GOLD IN HOC SIGNO VINCES RING Sz 10 - 10.5 Freemason /Knight Templar

Product on Gem

gem.app

 

[pepperj]

Very often you will see the acronym “HTWSSTKS” in Masonic jewelry, which stands for “Hiram Tyrian Widow’s Son Sent to King Solomon.” This refers to the Legend of Hiram Abif, an important allegory in Masonic teachings. The story tells of Hiram Abif, who was charged with the task of building King Solomon’s temple, and met his end refusing to tell the secrets of the Master Mason. The story symbolizes loyalty and is associated with the highest degree of the Masonic fraternity.

 

[pepperj]

Not really a Ring person by I can appreciate the work that went into that one. Must be worth more than melt to someone - congrats.

One would be kind of daft to do a melt on a ring of this caliber.
It would be on the same level as melting a Posey ring-like that would ever happen.
17gr @ $43.74 = $743.58 Melt the sucker some would say.

 

[Centsless Detecting]

Killer find little man. I'd be happy with that any day. Good luck on the return if you choose to do so. If the owner is long gone, I'd keep it. A relative may just melt it and pocket the cash anyways.

 

[pepperj]

Killer find little man. I'd be happy with that any day. Good luck on the return if you choose to do so. If the owner is long gone, I'd keep it. A relative may just melt it and pocket the cash anyways.

Yes, the original owner, and the next in line is probably also, and the 3rd generation has probably greying going on.

Yet if they were still in the fraternity, and the Grandfather or even a Great grandfather was the Grand Master I would think this would be a cherished return.

Yet on the other hand it could be a cha-ching run to the pawn shop to pay for a party weekend.

 

[metrotec]

Very often you will see the acronym “HTWSSTKS” in Masonic jewelry, which stands for “Hiram Tyrian Widow’s Son Sent to King Solomon.” This refers to the Legend of Hiram Abif, an important allegory in Masonic teachings. The story tells of Hiram Abif, who was charged with the task of building King Solomon’s temple, and met his end refusing to tell the secrets of the Master Mason. The story symbolizes loyalty and is associated with the highest degree of the Masonic fraternity.
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Pepperj, you have an acute knowledge; so moot it be

 

[Silvermonkey]

What a beautiful ring! The details make it very special!

 

[jewelerguy]

Very often you will see the acronym “HTWSSTKS” in Masonic jewelry, which stands for “Hiram Tyrian Widow’s Son Sent to King Solomon.”

I've heard it referred to 'KSHTWSST' and a phrase which made it easy to remember was 'King Soloman had ten wives, some say twenty'.

 

[TheLittleMan]

I can't make out the hand etched engraving in there from the picture of it sitting on the scale, but it looks like real old style script engraving and cool as hell! Can we see the hand engraving on the inside close up?

You have my banner vote!

Out of respect of the owner, I won't share the full engraving yet, but I can share these two words that I can't make out. This should give you an idea of the script, and as an added bonus, maybe someone can read them! Personally I see "Cyrene _____" though I can't make out the second word.

 

[Aureus]

I'm not a jewellery type of detectorist, but that ring is a killer! Way more impressive than a Cartier with a large stone. I'm voting banner, congrats!

 

[TheLittleMan]

Very often you will see the acronym “HTWSSTKS” in Masonic jewelry, which stands for “Hiram Tyrian Widow’s Son Sent to King Solomon.” This refers to the Legend of Hiram Abif, an important allegory in Masonic teachings. The story tells of Hiram Abif, who was charged with the task of building King Solomon’s temple, and met his end refusing to tell the secrets of the Master Mason. The story symbolizes loyalty and is associated with the highest degree of the Masonic fraternity.
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My ring does have a trowel, and while I've seen some flower symbols out there, I have not seen any with 8 petals. Would the Elk Lodge Fraternity use the trowel or flower as a symbol?

 

[TheLittleMan]

Also, yeah, this home-owner isn't going to be melting the thing.

I'm working on some research and found a man with this last name with ties to this area and also the area named on the ring, and he was a member of the both the Woodmen and Elk Lodges, so I'm leaning that way for now. He was born in 1875.

 

[pepperj]

My ring does have a trowel, and while I've seen some flower symbols out there, I have not seen any with 8 petals. Would the Elk Lodge Fraternity use the trowel or flower as a symbol?

Look at post #8

 

[lenmac65]

That ring is stunning. What a wonderful piece of art, with some great history. Nice photos and post. I think that would look great on the Banner. My vote is in. Congrats!