Hallmark on Old Ring Found

[glenn63]

This ring was found while metal detecting in a cow pasture next to the site of a Seminole Indian war fort here in central FL. We're trying to determine if it was part of the fort occupants or maybe dropped much later.

Any help would be appreciated.



Thanks,
Glenn

[glenn63]

With the absence of a "duty mark" does that mean it's definately post 1890?

Any help would sure be appreciated.

Glenn

[dognose]

Hi Glenn,

Welcome to the Forum.

This date letter sequence (1875-1899), that was used at Birmingham, is notoriously difficult to read. It looks to me either 1897 or perhaps 1891 (upside down!!).

If earlier, then the lack of a Duty Mark would not be a surprise, such items fall under voluntary, rather than compulsory hallmarking regulations and usually lack the Duty Mark although the Duty would have still been charged (you could not have something hallmarked without paying the current Duty).

I don't know the maker, but it could possibly be one of the Usher family, who were very large producers of rings in Birmingham at this period.

Hopefully others will give their thoughts as I expect there may well be different opinions on the dating.

Trev.

[glenn63]

Thanks so much Trev.

Glenn