Mans gold compartment signet ring

[mspsarge]

I found this ring many years ago but because of its uniqueness, thought I'd post it here. It was found about 6" deep in an old city park. I am convinced the owner was in the military and possibly a member of the 22nd Aero Squadron from WWI. The inscription on the inside is in what I would call an old style of script, very well done. The top of the ring opens but nothing was inside when found. I think possibly a small photo might have one time been inside. The initials on the top, "W H C" corresponds to a young Lieutenant who achieved fighter pilot status 2 days before the Armistice was signed. There was a 2nd/LT named William H Cupples in the 22nd Aero Squadron which matches the inside inscription. I have checked at my local cemetery and there are "Cupples" buried here but not William. My guess is he was visiting relatives and lost it. A local jeweler says it is 10K.

I have found several rings but this is certainly the best one for me to date.

Greg

 

[GemSetter]

Hello,
I read your post and would like to theorize on some interesting things about your find. I am a jeweler and also a new MDer. The rings inscription as well as the outer lettering appears to be all hand engraved, thus very likely pre 60s.
Many times when we find rings with compartments they are referred to as "poison" rings. The compartment would hold a tiny vial of cyanide or some other sort of poison to be taken by the wearer when no alternatives are presented, ie, prisoners or war, etc. that we're subjected to torture and rather than " spill the beans" they would commit suicide to keep the secrets that the enemy would attempt to gain. Kinda creepy, but just a theory. Great find!

 

[tngirl]

That is a beautiful ring. It would be hard to top a find like that.

 

[cudamark]

Looks like a job for "Histories Detectives".

 

[mspsarge]

...funny you should say that. I sent them pictures and what I know to date and have never heard anything back.


Greg

 

[jason1565]

You have a snuff ring. It is also called a "poison ring" common during the early part of the 20th century

 

[mspsarge]

You have a snuff ring. It is also called a "poison ring" common during the early part of the 20th century

Jason1565,

Now that you mention it, I have seen accounts of those in the past and frankly, I hadn't thought of that as an explanation. You might be on to something...... Thanks

Greg

 

[Frankn]

The poison in the ring was sometimes meant for an enemy. This was a common practice taught to Military counter intelligent agents. Don't ask! Frank

 

[jason1565]

All I can find about poison rings were from Ancient Greece and yes it was used for poison. But they were used much later for maybe holding. Loved ones hair. Or snuff or a picture. Aviation did not have the practice of issuing pills or self terminating substances. The ring pictured was sold in the commissary an