Most amazing find in 38 years detecting.....and it's GOLD!

[doninbrewster]

I've been detecting for more than 38 years and even though I've found a gold coin, kettle points, Fugio, CT, VT, NJ coppers and a whole lot more, this easily ranks as my most interesting find ever. It's not just a gold ring, but a very interesting one. You see, the building that is engraved on the top is the Cathedral of Turin. That's not even the interesting part. The ring opens up. Inside, underneath a small piece of glass is a piece of fabric. Could it be a piece of the Shroud of Turin? I keep thinking about it and I can't figure out what else it might be. The ring was found about 5 inches down, not far from and at the same depth as an Indian head penny. My guess is it's been there for at least 100 years, but the ring itself could be much older. The side detail also looks like it was hand engraved, not just a casting. Like I said, I've found some great stuff over the years, but nothing compares to this. Thoughts?





Cathedral of Turin

 

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[Plumbata]

A 1st class relic would be a part of a saint's body or an item directly related to Jesus (i.e. fragment of the True Cross, and if authentic the Shroud as well, I believe).

It would be worth scrutinizing that fabric to determine if it is just a flat scrap, or if it is wrapped around something (like a piece of bone). I can't tell from the pictures but it is a fascinating item regardless!

 

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[trapperart]

Amazing find I'm going to keep my eye on this thread looks like something special. CONGRATS

 

[dts52]

A 1st class relic would be a part of a saint's body or an item directly related to Jesus (i.e. fragment of the True Cross, and if authentic the Shroud as well, I believe).

It would be worth scrutinizing that fabric to determine if it is just a flat scrap, or if it is wrapped around something (like a piece of bone). I can't tell from the pictures but it is a fascinating item regardless!

Thank you for the education. I hope this ring turns out to be something authentic.
HH
dts

 

[digger460]

Amazing find! Will be keeping an eye out on this one

 

[pepperj]

Now this is a truly exciting find, very unique and hopefully it turns out to be rare than it appears.
There's something to be said and I believe it should go up on the page as it's a piece of rare history that would be duplicated anytime soon.

 

[billpa]

That's a sweet lookin' ring you dug there.

 

[against the wind]

Don, you have made some incredible finds over the years. Personally, I believe your knowledge of colonial and post colonial coins can match anyone's here on TNET.
The Turin Cathedral is also known as The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. If that Beautiful Gold Ring that you recovered could be proven to have ties to the Shroud of Turin or John the Baptist, i think you are headed to Rome for a sit down with the Pope.
I guess he will commission you to search for the long lost Holy Grail.
All the best of luck in researching this ring's origin.
BIG CONGRATULATIONS

 

[mindcrime1988]

Wow that is a flat out amazing find. Very unique to say the least. Hopefully you or somebody is able to find more information on it. The fact that you consider it your best find ever speaks volumes for you. I'm sure you'll always cherish this find.

 

[Diggin Dude]

Truly an interesting, awesome find! I really hope the mystery can be solved, TNet members should be able to help. I have a gut feeling that this is a ring of importance like I said when we spoke. My research has led to dead ends.

With that being said... Huge Congratulations are in order!

Banner find!

 

[thrifty76now]

That ring is just awesome ,and it has to be very old indeed.

 

[Relicific]

Very interesting and beautiful ring.
Congrats

 

[Subterranean]

Fabulous. It doesn't get any better than this and I CONGRATULATE YOU! Banner...period. Cheers Sub

PS: Theological historians and archaeologists may be willing to work with you to confirm, via DNA or elecronic microscope, that your fabric piece is, in fact, from the original shroud, what and AWESOME adventure that would be...

 

[doninbrewster]

A 1st class relic would be a part of a saint's body or an item directly related to Jesus (i.e. fragment of the True Cross, and if authentic the Shroud as well, I believe).

It would be worth scrutinizing that fabric to determine if it is just a flat scrap, or if it is wrapped around something (like a piece of bone). I can't tell from the pictures but it is a fascinating item regardless!

I've been looking to see anything that might give me any additional lead. The piece of fabric is under a piece of glass or clear quartz and it's beyond my ability to remove the glass without destroying the ring. The piece of fabric under the glass is smaller than your smallest pinky nail. It appears to be sitting flat so I don't think it could possibly be wrapped around anything.

It's been mentioned that it might be another building and not the Cathedral of Turin, also known as the church of Saint John the Baptist. I've looked back and forth between the actual ring and numerous photos as well as the google street view as if I was standing there and I'm completely convinced it is one and the same as the ring. Does it match exactly, no. This could be from a variety of reasons. The bell tower at the top of the tower could have been added. The building itself could have been modified. I would be fairly certain that the engraver wasn't sitting outside the church while doing the engraving and was working from memory. It's also engraved on a very small surface with an incredible amount of detail that my photo couldn't capture. There also may be some artistic liberty in the engraving that has altered some areas. Anyone who heard Fergie sing the National Anthem a week ago would understand how that can be. I'm completely convinced the church at Turin and the building engraved on the ring are a match.

I've been doing some online research and have found a few places that may give me some leads on which direction to go. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has over 100 reliquaries going back over 1,000 years and their branch at The Cloisters have a few people who have done extensive research in this area. I think it's a good place to start. I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[Jyverb64]

It's so amazing what can come out of the ground in this hobby, the history behind this ring will be interesting, congrats!!!

 

[Plumbata]

I hope your inquiry with the museum is fruitful! If you are correct about it being the Cathedral of Turin, then i'd bet the item contained is a 3rd class relic touched to the Shroud, but the scholars you are contacting may know if peripheral fragments were cut from the shroud and distributed as relics in centuries past. A careful visual analysis through the crystal ought to indicate if the fabric possesses the same weave and thread characteristics as the linen shroud, and if it is indeed an actual piece then the Catholics would say it's priceless (or maybe 6-figures on the private market, lol).

The multifaceted richness of this find is almost unparalleled, you've got Gold, God, and Glory all in 1.

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Very interesting find. I'm looking forward to following this thread. I would use your acid kit to see if you have a high k ring, to me that would be step 1. Congrats!!

 

[DirtStalker]

Very interesting find. But Conjecture is a very dangerous instrument that leads sheep to follow off a cliff

 

[wagbert]

Beautiful-Beautiful-Beautiful ! If this isn't a banner find someone can eat my hat.

 

[Johncoho]

Wow. That is top shelf material. Amazing find. Congrats.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I hope your ring turns out to be the real thing. It would be the find of a life time for anyone. Has anyone noticed that the piece of material looks like a profile? Maybe Jesus? Or, am I imagining things.