WWII Trench Art Ring From Oran N. Africa

[Seener53]

The other day while snowed in I was looking through my silver rings found in 2013. I came across an ugly homemade silver ring with a mercury dime head mounted on top. I found this ring back in January at an old swimming hole. Upon closer inspection I found inscriptions on each side, side 1 says "ORAN", Side 2 says "N. Africa". So with a little detective help from the wife, we figured out that this was a hand made trench art ring made from coin silver in Oran North Africa during WW2! Back in 1943-1945 US and allies were station in Oran North Africa placing this ring to that timeframe. Also during research I found 2 other examples of very similar design rings with the same story. Pretty neat story if you think about it... A homemade ring found halfway around the world Oh and the ring weighs in at 8.42 grams, so a half dollar was probably used to make the signet part and a cut out mercury dime for the top. Thanks for reading and Happy Hunting!

 

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[myfantasia1]

that is cool. and old to me.

 

[thrillathahunt]

WOW! That is about the coolest ring I have seen in a long time. Thanks for sharing.

 

[BabyNeedsANewPairO'Shoes]

Nominated. Congrats!

 

[Seener53]

that is cool. and old to me.

Thank you

 

[Seener53]

WOW! That is about the coolest ring I have seen in a long time. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks

 

[Seener53]

Nominated. Congrats!

Thank you & the nomination

 

[Argentium]

Very Cool find for sure ! How can you be certain that a half dollar was used as the silver source for the ring shank ? what is your theory for
how that part was cast ?(we can agree that the shank was cast ?) A silver half weighs 12.5 grams , but so does 2 silver quarters , or 5
silver dimes .

 

[Seener53]

Very Cool find for sure ! How can you be certain that a half dollar was used as the silver source for the ring shank ? what is your theory for how that part was cast ?(we can agree that the shank was cast ?) A silver half weighs 12.5 grams , but so does 2 silver quarters , or 5 silver dimes .

Very true, but using a half by drilling a hole through the middle and pounding the ring into shape would of been much easier than melting coins and casting in an army/navy quarters. And by drilling a hole through the middle you would lose about 4-5 grams of silver. Just using logical thinking, as I own a half dollar ring which weighs 8.6 grams.

 

[l2hunt]

Fantastic piece!!!!!

 

[Seener53]

Very Cool find for sure ! How can you be certain that a half dollar was used as the silver source for the ring shank ? what is your theory for how that part was cast ?(we can agree that the shank was cast ?) A silver half weighs 12.5 grams , but so does 2 silver quarters , or 5 silver dimes .

Also there are no hallmarks of any kind anywhere on the ring that would indicate a maker or casting . If you look closely on the Oran side there are traces of copper showing.

 

[3 of 6 GMG's]

Very very beautiful piece of history and art. Thank you for sharing your great find and HH.

Matt

 

[jewelerguy]

sweet ring!

 

[treblehunter]

Amazing, nice job on the research, that's so neat you found something very special and rare.

 

[g-olden years]

One of the most interesting rings I've ever seen! Looks like the soldier got home safely also. Andi

 

[JimDon]

That is a real treasure. You don't see them very often.

 

[RobRieman]

Also there are no hallmarks of any kind anywhere on the ring that would indicate a maker or casting . If you look closely on the Oran side there are traces of copper showing.

That's an awesome ring! I didn't know there was any copper in a half dollar made in the 40's?

 

[Seener53]

Very very beautiful piece of history and art. Thank you for sharing your great find and HH. Matt

Thanks

 

[Seener53]

sweet ring!

Thank you

 

[Seener53]

Amazing, nice job on the research, that's so neat you found something very special and rare.

Thanks