Closeup Pictures of Messick 81 Gold Ring any ideas ??

[T Hunter]

This is an up tp date picture of the ring any ideas ?? Thanks

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

looks like a seal ring or signet ring with some kind of lizard and snake..

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

With the better pics I notice some kind of unusual markings within the swastika.

 

[Silver Searcher]

The ring could represent a lot of things, and cultures

http://web.singnet.com.sg/~sidneys/Swastika.htm

SS

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I think the clue to solving this would be the unusual marks inside the swastika. Could this have been part of the original signet ring and someone made it into a backwards swastika? Or is it for a seal? If its gold, why no markings? What does the R signify? Alligator/lizard and a snake?

The R looks hand engraved. Probably at the same time as the swastika. The entire ring may be homemade one of a kind.

 

[bradyboy]

The swastika design was also a sign of good luck
Brady

 

[nebstater]

This ring looks to predate the Nazi's. Back at the turn of the last century, the swastika was actually a good luck symbol and used on many different products, paper items, coins, and jewelry. This ring was probably a club or organization symbol piece. Which one, I don't know?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

If you look closely with a loupe you should be able to see the hand engraving strokes. You may be able to tell if the unusual loops inside the swastika are intentional or from something prior. Its possible that the swastika was engraved over something else. If the 2 loops are intentional, then its a big clue.

The loops were engraved before, (not after), the swastika.
How much before, is the question.

 

[Tuberale]

This is an up tp date picture of the ring any ideas ?? Thanks

As shown, a backwards swaztika. It might be Indian in origin, based on the symbolism shown in the movie The DaVinci Code. Reverse images had quite different meaning symbolically.

Also, the ring appears to be gold, and includes rather detailed engraving, especially of the snake and lizard. Looks similar to an early Black Hills nugget ring. The most telling part: no gold stamp of 14K, 18K, or 24K, required now on all gold jewelry.

Best bet: take it to a reputable jeweller.

 

[Bramblefind]

While I don't know that it was an absolute rule I think the Nazi era Swastika was more often portrayed at a tilt. The straight Swastika was more likely era 1900s -

Nazi Era Swastika rings

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

As shown, a backwards swaztika. It might be Indian in origin, based on the symbolism shown in the movie The DaVinci Code. Reverse images had quite different meaning symbolically.

Also, the ring appears to be gold, and includes rather detailed engraving, especially of the snake and lizard. Looks similar to an early Black Hills nugget ring. The most telling part: no gold stamp of 14K, 18K, or 24K, required now on all gold jewelry.

Best bet: take it to a reputable jeweller.

I thought about Indian myself. They use the backwards swastika.

Forget about taking it to a jeweler unless you just want to verify the gold content. Its already in a museum and the best chance for ID is probably here.

 

[Messick81]

i did take it to a jewler and it tested 16kt. maybe that will help.

 

[GpSnoopy]

Just a tidbit I found that seems to tie serpents and the swastika together. Probably has no bearing on this ring, but I thought it was interesting.

The origin of the swastika has become a source of speculation for researchers over time. Mentioned in the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Mahabharata, the symbol has its origin with the Vedic Aryans, its meaning having been clearly defined by the Nagas or Vedic Initiates. One Naga king was named Swastika. The serpent and the swastika are siblings; the serpent as the energizing creative force in the Universe, the swastika as that force in motion. Both are fundamental aspects of Vedic cosmology. Ananta Sesha, the cosmic serpent, symbolic of timeless eternity, displays the swastika on its multi-hooded image.

 

[Breezie]

While I don't know that it was an absolute rule I think the Nazi era Swastika was more often portrayed at a tilt. The straight Swastika was more likely era 1900s -

Nazi Era Swastika rings

I agree! Breezie

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Heres an old post discussing the "Nazi tilt". http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,287011.0.html

The reverse swastika may just be in error.

 

[BuckleBoy]

My hunch is early 20th c. and Japanese, Chinese, or Eastern. The design elements on the sides just scream eastern origin. Although it is odd for that stuff to be 16K, and 16K is an odd Karat anyhow...

 

[Bushido Dude]

AGREED.......early 20th century....16k was becoming more common in the early 1900's......along with the swastika as a good luck symbol....also the Hindu symbol for good luck and "holy" ......with the lizard/snake motif I would assume that it was asian in origin...possibly a "Holy Hindi" ring?? Either way its a beautiful ring.......and a side note.....for all of you conspiracy theorists out there.....16k gold is .666 24k :P

 

[dg39]

Coming from a different direction..No signs of heavy wear..holes around snakes rough, not polished.....(perhaps)...I think you have a custom made ring. Fairly recent manufacture. Low gold content. Probably cast from scrap gold.
Possible "Skinhead" culture.
DG

 

[Monty]

The reverse swastika was used by the plains Indians as a thunderbird symbol. Monty

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Somewhere online said that 16K is dental gold.