Warning: session_start(): open(/var/cpanel/php/sessions/ea-php74/sess_cd142e851669b1c305e63a54d9ccd0ce857e3d791494b69d, O_RDWR) failed: No space left on device (28) in /home/devwehrmacht/public_html/forums/includes/vb5/frontend/controller/page.php on line 71 Warning: session_start(): Failed to read session data: files (path: /var/cpanel/php/sessions/ea-php74) in /home/devwehrmacht/public_html/forums/includes/vb5/frontend/controller/page.php on line 71 Rings from the USA - Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums
Helmut Weitze

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Rings from the USA

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 3
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous 1 2 3 template Next
    #1

    Rings from the USA

    My WW2 era USA ring collection may be the smallest collection on the forum - it fits inside a box only 8 inches x 10 inches! The construction of the box itself has already been described in thread http://www.wehrmacht-awards.net/forums/showthread.php?t=150507.
    <O
    The detail is so tiny that a macro lens is needed to do these rings any justice. I just got a new Canon camera and had fun taking this set of close ups. I know of no reference books for these nice keepsakes but I’m pretty sure the majority date to WW2. With the exception of ring 9 all are either silver or solid 10K gold. If the 2 sides are identical only one is depicted.
    <O
    Several have ID markings such as initials, names or service numbers and I’ve been successful in finding the service man’s history. Naturally this has added to my pleasure of ownership as none of the rings were advertised with owner’s name nor bought with this in mind. The research just evolved after I got them.
    <O
    Here is my entire but small collection of 32 rings. A few have been shown individually on the US forum.

    Last edited by Adam Lewis; 06-24-2006, 12:33 AM.
    Tags: None
    #2
    The 1<SUP>st</SUP> Marine Division ring is marked silver and very likely handmade in China. The details in the dragon and pagoda are delicately done. I like the enamel inlay too.

    The gold 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Division ring is a heavy post war issue featuring the unit’s early patch design. The soldier’s serial number is engraved inside. I obtained the NPRC file showing he enlisted 31Dec41, 4 days after his 17<SUP>th</SUP> birthday. He went to Guantanamo Bay then in June 42 to the Special Weapons Group of the 9th Defense Bn where he soon entered combat in the Pacific. He returned aboard the SS Exiria Jan44 perhaps as a casualty. He was honorably discharged Sept45 and died in 1983.
    Attached Files
    Last edited by Adam Lewis; 06-24-2006, 08:07 PM.

    Comment

      #3
      Next are 4 silver rings of similar design. IMHO the Coast Guard design is the most difficult to find.
      Attached Files
      Last edited by Adam Lewis; 06-24-2006, 01:38 AM.

      Comment

        #4
        This Navy ring is the only one I have with an inscription inside.
        Attached Files
        Last edited by Adam Lewis; 06-24-2006, 01:38 AM.

        Comment

          #5
          Here's the 4th ring in this pattern.
          Attached Files

          Comment

            #6
            Here are silver hallmarked rings of another common style where ‘E Pluribus Unum’ surrounds the central image. The Army eagle is done in 10K gold.
            Attached Files
            Last edited by Adam Lewis; 06-24-2006, 01:37 AM.

            Comment

              #7
              More 'E Pluribus Unum' rings. Ring 09 features a USN officer’s pre-1940 design (the eagle faces right) and is marked ‘H&H Sterling + 1/20 10K’ the same as this company’s marking on USN plot wings.
              Attached Files
              Last edited by Adam Lewis; 06-24-2006, 11:23 AM.

              Comment

                #8
                The last 2 of this design. The well worn ring came with a set of USN aircrew wings. The seller hardly mentioned the ring because of its very worn condition. After it arrived I saw the engraving ‘GUADALCANAL 1942’ and ‘HANK 340144 Radio Gunner’. Quite a research opportunity! I got the NPRC file and it shows Hank enlisted 3Jan42 and served in the Pacific in VMSB-144, VMSB-234, VMSB-464, VMSB-142. These units spent time in Guadalcanal and the Philippines. The NPRC record shows Hank was awarded the DFC with 2 gold stars and 10 Air Medals, a high level of awards for a gunner. He died in 1998.
                Attached Files
                Last edited by Adam Lewis; 06-24-2006, 01:38 AM.

                Comment

                  #9
                  These silver rings feature one of the more elaborate designs I’ve run across. The red white and blue enamel is eye-catching but the sides are a treat for the eyes. On one an armed soldier runs from head to toe. Opposite is an elaborate eagle with a cavalry sword and banners. Design features completely encircle the ring but you need to have one in pristine condition to appreciate this. I’m not sure what is supposed to be on the back of the ring but it looks like vegetables. My 2 rings show US Army and USAAF designs but this series has many different ones including Navy, Coast Guard and Signal Corps.
                  Attached Files
                  Last edited by Adam Lewis; 06-24-2006, 01:39 AM.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    These 2 silver rings are grouped together because I think they pre-date WW2. I say this not based on any reference material but is just my guess based on their designs.
                    Attached Files

                    Comment

                      #11
                      These 2 US Army Air Forces may also pre-date WW2. The ‘Air Corps’ has the early pre-war prop while the silver one has, I believe, a 10K gold insert
                      Attached Files

                      Comment

                        #12
                        These gold rings have standard USN designs.
                        Attached Files

                        Comment

                          #13
                          The next 3 are rings with patch designs - companions to the 2 USMC rings in the first post. I look for these but they don’t make frequent appearances. First is a beautifully done cloisonné replica of the Walt Disney designed 21<SUP>st</SUP> Bombardment squadron patch. It’s one of my favorite pieces just to look at.
                          Attached Files

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Next is a hand-made Far East Air Force ring. There are hundreds of hand strikes of beads and stripes surrounding the patch. Along the sides is an approximate CBI patch (no Chinese star) with a gemstone.
                            The other is a 4<SUP>th</SUP> ID ring. I was glad to acquire it because my Dad was in the 12<SUP>th</SUP> Inf, 4 ID for 5 years (but this was not his). The hallmark ‘800’ suggests a European-made piece perhaps during the occupation after WW2
                            Attached Files

                            Comment

                              #15
                              I like the way the wings go over the edges and lap onto the sides. There’s at least one more in this series featuring the early winged star of the USAAF. Got one for sale?
                              Attached Files

                              Comment

                              Previous 1 2 3 template Next

                              Users Viewing this Thread

                              Collapse

                              There is currently 1 user online. 0 members and 1 guests.

                              Most users ever online was 10,032 at 08:13 PM on 09-28-2024.

                              Working...
                              X