Potential gold ring and medallion with 13 stars.

[BrianDickSmith]

Hey guys,
New to the forum. I found both of these items the same day about 80 feet apart on my second ever day of hunting. The ring comes up as a gold coin. It has no ID marks so it may have been home made. Im not even sure its gold but non the less Im curious about it. The medallion I found has 13 stars on it and the letters H.F. in a box looking thing. Im assuming the 13 states are whats represented but any help with these finds would be great!!
-Brian

 

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[tamrock]

Get the ring tested for gold is what I'd do. The medallion looks like a plated base metal in the picture. No clue what its about.

 

[BrianDickSmith]

After the holiday i'll bring it somewhere. Id like to buy a testing kit myself for this reason. Thanks for the reply.

 

[lairmo]

The medal might be an older version of one of these: Book & Lamp High Tech Medal - Gold Silver Bronze Award

 

[Flex68]

That ring is a beaut!

 

[BrianDickSmith]

Thanks a lot. I thought it was some cheap stage jewelry but it is in fact gold and a decent amount to. Seems to be home made. I cant wait for a day where its above 35 degrees. I'm dyeing to get back out but I'm about to get slammed with a big storm.

 

[steelheadwill]

Recovery like that ring got ya hooked I bet
Metal test kit, scale and calipers are essential tools for every MDer IMO.
Beautiful yellow, can't say I think that about the rest of the design though.... Big congrats !!!

 

[bofusmosby]

I believe that your ring is of a higher k value. 18K or higher. The color is of rich gold color, but has the look of high purity.

 

[BrianDickSmith]

thanks again everyone for the info. The snow has kept me from bringing it to a place to get checked but today might be the day! I'll keep you all posted!

 

[Breezie]

I'm not sure your 'ring' is a finger ring. Because of it's size, it looks more like a scarf slide. Judging by the photos, it appears to be enameled jewelry, which is a process where powdered glass is fused to metal by firing at high temps. Enameled jewelry has been around since ancient Egyptians and is being made today, which makes it difficult to date (especially via photos.)

Neat find
Breezie

 

[Breezie]

What state or area did you find the medallion? Can you post a pic of the back?

Since it is plated, has 2 initials inside of a box that has some type of finial, I'm guessing it might be some type of award charm/medallion that is given out at a school. Are there any schools and/or organizations in that area with the initials H.F.?


Breezie

 

[BrianDickSmith]

Hi Breezie,
Thanks for the response. I actually live right next to a school. I found the ring (scarf ring) and the medallion within a close area to each other. The first thing I did was bring the medal to the school but no one I talked to noticed it or is the name of the school relevant to the HF. The first thing my mom said was it looked like a scarf ring so that makes a lot of sense. Ill take another picture of the back of the medallion but I can tell you right now there isn't a single marking on it. Its a smooth flat piece of tin it seems like and the front of it shown in the pic and the back are splitting apart due to being in the elements for however long.

 

[jerseyjack]

I don't have a camera, but I found the exact same medallion, don't know what the HF stands for.

 

[Bramblefind]

That medallion is part of a larger badge issued by the Brotherhood of the Union / Brotherhood of America. I'm still learning more about it.. but here are some links. I think the "H.F." may stand for "Holy Flame" at least that is what one reference I found indicated-

Philadelphia Gothic: Murders, Mysteries, Monsters, and Mayhem Inspire American Fiction 1798-1854

T H L Circle 49 B of A Unknown Ribbon Pinback H F Medallion Schuyler Penna | eBay

Manufacturers including Whitehead & Hoag, of Newark, N.J. Insignia of the Brotherhood of the Union [later the Brotherhood of America]. (Philadelphia, and Newark, New Jersey, 1850-1882). Loaned by Dr. Neil K. Fitzgerald. George Lippard had been preoccupied with the rituals and regalia of a secret society for years before he launched the Brotherhood of the Union in 1849. He designed medals and badges with mystic symbols for its members, many of whom had presumptuous titles. Lippard himself was the “Supreme Washington.” The medal hanging from its own spange is the earliest known badge of the Brotherhood. The large copper emblem was likely a badge for general membership. Later, more elaborate designs enameled in colors held sway. It was Masonry for the workingman.

 

[jerseyjack]

Thanks for the ID Bramblefind.

 

[BrianDickSmith]

WOW, great job. I really appreciate the help!

 

[BrianDickSmith]

I don't have a camera, but I found the exact same medallion, don't know what the HF stands for.

Where did you find it this is great!

 

[jerseyjack]

Where did you find it this is great!

Found in New Jersey at an old farmhouse, mine is smaller and looks like it used to have a bar on top to hook onto a ribbon.

 

[BrianDickSmith]

Found in New Jersey at an old farmhouse, mine is smaller and looks like it used to have a bar on top to hook onto a ribbon.

Yes! Mine does as well. I can see where the loop was has been broken. Im trying to use what was posted above to find out more. Im pretty close to a Freemason lodge...

 

[BrianDickSmith]

after you posted those pics I dug a little bit but I cant seem to find anything more about my piece. Being that the ribbon and top metal parts are missing it will be next to impossible to properly ID. Still thank you again for that information. I never thought id even have a clue of what this was. Going hunting now actually wet and all!!