Pinky Rings

[tsgalloway]

Within the next few months I'm going to fabricate (cast) a gold pinky ring. Does anyone have any close-up photos of period pinky rings? I'd prefer to make mine with some sort of design. I know that pinky rings were relatively popular in society during the mid-1800s. Many were made of brass or were gold plated so, I know that my ring would be more suited for someone more affluent.

What about signet rings? They were popular with the European nobility, normally bearing the family crest. Would they be suited for a well-to-do soldier or citizen (in the States)? Does anyone have any good images of such rings? Any pointers or info would be very helpful.

[tsgalloway]

Re: Pinky Rings

As I recall, Patrick Reardon of the Lazy Jacks wears a signet ring on his pinky. I think he was wearing it when I was in his unit at Corinth in 2005. I assume it may be his family crest/seal. He may be able to enlighten me. I'll shoot him a PM. Any advice is welcome.

[jgr1974]

Re: Pinky Rings

Though this is an area in the hobby that needs great amount of research done on it, I will make a suggestion or two. I would suggest a Fraternal society if you are a part of one, Maybe a school you attended Yale Harvard-military accademy religous icons at at least a shield shaped ring with flat face to have your initial of your last name engraved. These were called signets.

Just my Two cents

The Mad MIck!!!

[tsgalloway]

Re: Pinky Rings

Thanks for the ideas. I know some of the options, but I'd like my creation to be based on an original...one that there is an example of.

The following thread is pretty decent and has some examples, but most are in relic condition and the pre-dug details can't be made out: http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...ght=pinky+ring

[fahtz]

Re: Pinkie Rings

I have studied/owned/handled period bone rings. Bone was also a popular material for these pinkie rings. Crests, shields, corps badges, initials, floral designs, and just plain were all common motifs for these rings. Several gold examples I have seen have things carved into them AFTER they were cast. You might go that route, so you can have the ability to make more than one.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Pinky Rings

This is a member of the 60th Virginia (written on the inside brim) sporting two rings on both pinky fingers. Sorry the image isn't close-up enough. As I recall, they just appeared to be plain, gold bands.

And I thought I remembered seeing a ring on Col. H.T. Collis... Violá! I am correct!

"Officers of 114th Pa. Infantry in front of Petersburg, August 1864."
LC-B817-7316

[tsgalloway]

Re: Pinky Rings

And I thought I remembered seeing a ring on Col. H.T. Collis... Violá! I am correct!

It appears that the good colonel's ring has some sort of design on it. Alas, it is illegible.

[tsgalloway]

Re: Pinkie Rings

I have studied/owned/handled period bone rings. Bone was also a popular material for these pinkie rings. Crests, shields, corps badges, initials, floral designs, and just plain were all common motifs for these rings. Several gold examples I have seen have things carved into them AFTER they were cast. You might go that route, so you can have the ability to make more than one.

I'd prefer to stick with gold, as I have a supply of the material and am interested in the casting process. Do you know how those gold rings were carved? Do you have any images of the carved originals? I'm not sure I currently possess the skills to carve post casting...but I can carve wax to make the initial model to make the cast. Thanks for your thoughts, Mitch.

[Tarheel]

Re: Pinky Rings

Tristan,
Sent you a pm in reply to yours. Please feel free to broadcast it on this Forum if you consider it would be useful. The subject is a mixture of heraldry and geneology and is quite complex but a proper signet ring would be engraved (Seal Engraved) as noted in my pm. Glad to help futher if I can.
With best wishes to all for 2008.
Patrick Reardon,
The Lazy Jack Mess, UK

[Shantyman]

Re: Pinky Rings

I do recolect seeing a picture of a West Point ring in a Herf Jones catalog with an insert about it being from the Civil War, I know thats a bit off topic but I hope it helps.

[dnaples]

Re: Pinky Rings

Here is a picture of Francis E. Brownell (aka Ellsworth's Avenger) of the 11th NY wearing a pinky ring. There is also a close up of the ring on Marc Hermann's website about the 11th NY, http://www.myrtle-avenue.com/firezou/impression.html.

[zouavecampaigner]

Re: Pinky Rings

This is a member of the 60th Virginia (written on the inside brim) sporting two rings on both pinky fingers. Sorry the image isn't close-up enough. As I recall, they just appeared to be plain, gold bands.

And I thought I remembered seeing a ring on Col. H.T. Collis... Violá! I am correct!

"Officers of 114th Pa. Infantry in front of Petersburg, August 1864."
LC-B817-7316

Jason,

the pinky ring was a fad in the 114th, and there's a number of photos of guys wearing them. They seem to all be the younger fellows, too. There's a couple wedding rings in there, too, but more pinky rings haha.

Regards,

[tsgalloway]

Re: Pinky Rings

"Dear Tristan,
Good to hear from you. The correct term is Signet Ring and traditionally they were engraved (Seal Engraved) with one's family crest which is the device above one's family coat of arms. Traditionally, coats of arms were granted by the Monarch to families of distinction for services to the crown or upon their elevation to the various levels of gentry and aristocracy. Historically the ring was a mark of identity when used to impress the crest device into liquid sealing wax to seal important documents or correspondance. They are now a kind of emblem of social status (all a bit redundant in the 21st century!!!!!!) but I've worn one since my father gave me my grandfather's when I was eighteen. In the UK they are traditionally worn on the little (pinky) finger of the left hand. Mine bears our family crest of a dolphin although I believe sometimes crests could vary from generation to generation.
Seal Engraving is extremely intricate and detailed; a specialist engraving technique and to have a ring made is not cheap!!!
There seem to be two types. One being solid gold; the other being gold with an inset hard, semi-precious stone into which the crest was engraved. Hope this helps, let me know if I can assist further. All the best, Patrick"


This was sent to me by Patrick Reardon. Thanks for the info!

[tsgalloway]

Re: Pinky Rings

Does anyone own an original and be willing to share pictures? Does anyone have any detailed photos of a pinky ring with a design? Signet ring?

[tsgalloway]

Re: Pinky Rings

Here are some of my thoughts on a potential Signet Ring...I have my family letterhead bearing our family crest (dating from 1631). Where would I look to have some sort of custom die made (maybe "engraved" hardened plastic or a cheaper metal would do) so I can make an impression of it and cast it in gold?