🥇 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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[Blackfoot58]

A little more history (if anyone wants it). This ring, by its symbolism, tells me at least 3 obvious things about the original owner. The scimitar with a 5 point star is the primary emblem of The Shrine. Under that is a trowel; Eludes to Blue Lodge. The Keystone with “HTWSSTKS” (proper order of the initials) signifies Royal Arch Masonry, a section of York Rite. Most states recognized a natural progression via their bylaws. Blue Lodge is the initial degrees and the only ones required to be a Freemason. Next 2 Rites were available: Scottish Rite or York Rite. Most members chose one, many others went through both. After completion of either Rite a member could choose to join the Mystic Shrine. Some of this has changed over the years in various states. I hope this give insight into the man who owned the wonderful ring you found. Congrats on the banner! Very deserving. I’m so glad you found it and allowed us to hear the story.

 

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[TheLittleMan]

A little more history (if anyone wants it). This ring, by its symbolism, tells me at least 3 obvious things about the original owner. The scimitar with a 5 point star is the primary emblem of The Shrine. Under that is a trowel; Eludes to Blue Lodge. The Keystone with “HTWSSTKS” (proper order of the initials) signifies Royal Arch Masonry, a section of York Rite. Most states recognized a natural progression via their bylaws. Blue Lodge is the initial degrees and the only ones required to be a Freemason. Next 2 Rites were available: Scottish Rite or York Rite. Most members chose one, many others went through both. After completion of either Rite a member could choose to join the Mystic Shrine. Some of this has changed over the years in various states. I hope this give insight into the man who owned the wonderful ring you found. Congrats on the banner! Very deserving. I’m so glad you found it and allowed us to hear the story.

Thanks! I found the man's lodge in SD and learned some things about his associations (i.e. New York Rite). What fascinated me in my research of the guy is that he gave up his membership (I forget the exact terminology for doing so) 2 weeks after his wedding! Having invested so much money and pride in such a hefty chunk of jewelry, he chose to close that chapter of his life to start something new. Fascinating bits of history!

 

[Blackfoot58]

Thanks! I found the man's lodge in SD and learned some things about his associations (i.e. New York Rite). What fascinated me in my research of the guy is that he gave up his membership (I forget the exact terminology for doing so) 2 weeks after his wedding! Having invested so much money and pride in such a hefty chunk of jewelry, he chose to close that chapter of his life to start something new. Fascinating bits of history!

What denomination of faith was his wife? Any idea? It is York Rite, not New York. Demitting is the term for dropping membership..

 

[dieselfool]

That was a wonderful find! I have never heard of a Mason resigning before. My great uncle (b.1878 d. 1975) was a 33rd degree Mason but I know nothing about the organization. He had a marvelous ring, too!

 

[Norwichnut]

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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What was the ID on that momba??

 

[1637]

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.
View attachment 2027917View attachment 2027913View attachment 2027914View attachment 2027916View attachment 2027915

thats one of the coolest thing ive ever seen on this site.

 

[Blackfoot58]

thats one of the coolest thing ive ever seen on this site.

It absolutely is Masonic. The Maltese cross is used by firemen, but by Masons WAY before that. I can read the symbology on the entire ring and it is Masonic. There’s nothing weird about it, nothing in question, except to the “uninitiated” which I completely understand. The designs may appear esoteric, but they are not indecipherable. They are all very common in my be Masonic branches.

 

[Blackfoot58]

It absolutely is Masonic. The Maltese cross is used by firemen, but by Masons WAY before that. I can read the symbology on the entire ring and it is Masonic. There’s nothing weird about it, nothing in question, except to the “uninitiated” which I completely understand. The designs may appear esoteric, but they are not indecipherable. They are all very common in my be Masonic branches.

And please remember All Shriners are Masons. They are not exclusive organizations. Masonic lodge begat many subordinate groups, including York Rite and Shrine. Don’t think either/or… think of them together.

 

[Shovelbum]

Yes, schriner

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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It looks like a shriner ring

 

[TheLittleMan]

What denomination of faith was his wife? Any idea? It is York Rite, not New York. Demitting is the term for dropping membership..

Demitting. Thanks. And no, I don't think I came across the wife's denomination. I suppose it's possible she might not have allowed it for that reason, though. Good point!

 

[Blackfoot58]

What denomination of faith was his wife? Any idea? It is York Rite, not New York. Demitting is the term for dropping membership..

There were issues where many Roman Catholics were anti-Masonic.This hit on many levels, none of which I’ll attempt to explain in this forum. There were/are 7 or 8 different reasons supposedly. Suffice it to say that he MAY have left Lodge in order to preserve peace and harmony at home. I’m guessing he would have been older at the time of his nuptials than many men of the day. He would not be the first to succumb to such pressures. Nuf sed

 

[A2coins]

Boom Baby thats what Im talking about sweet find thats awesome

 

[hampton detector]

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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Awesome find! Great job!

 

[Gare]

AMAZING FIND CONGRATS !!!

 

[Blak bart]

Can't believe I missed this...congrats on an awsome banner !! Somehow I must have been sleeping in May 2022!!😄😴🤣

 

[scruggs]

Congratulations! Not an every day find! It is a beautiful recovery!

 

[TheLittleMan]

Final Update on my Banner Find:

I've written up an article recording the history of my 1880s Gold Masonic Ring and have posted it here, Metal Detecting Hobby: My Greatest Find Ever

Thanks to @Blackfoot58 @Sam Reder @pepperj @jewelerguy for your help!

 

[scruggs]

Fantastic ring! Hope you can locate the owner or his family!

 

[Slowtaknow]

Yes

 

[Kona Koma]

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.
View attachment 2027917View attachment 2027913View attachment 2027914View attachment 2027916View attachment 2027915

That’s an amazing find. Banner worthy for sure.