just resubmit and upload a photo/s- (like you did previously) type "Lake Erie Shipwreck Ring" in title so I know to prioritize for publishing. Yvonne
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Chinese Dragons, Asian Gold Marks Pending by: Yvonne
Hi Graig
it's only my opinion, and I am always open to other theories, do we have one? great work nailing down the gold caratage, if metal tests 20 carat, it indicates Asian origin. The dragon motif also supports this.
on subject of dragons, while looking for dragon motif jewelry info - I came across a related decorative dragon motif of a Sea-Dragon motif and wondered if it were related/inspiration Nessie, the Gaelic cryptid that inhabits Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands? The Sea-Dragon has a fish tail instead of claws for those interested. So, dragons are not so straight forward, it appears. Check your dragons!
Now back to the Dragon Ring of Lake Erie -
with the caratage of 20 carat - equivalent to 833% gold and being of asian origin I am leaning towards a Chinese Dragon. Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly (and of interest here) over Water, rainfall, hurricane, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. With the number of shipwrecks that have occurred on lake Erie it's no surprise that passenger or crew would wear protective motif, believed to control and safeguard over water!
The drawing of the marks look similar to WANG HING & Co. (Silversmiths & Major Fine Retailers, Canton, China, & Hong Kong) between 1870s - 1930s but open to other theories. The mark can be found at the following link. http://www.925-1000.com/chinex_marks.html
If you find any other info Graig, please keep us updated. Also if anyone has any info on Wang Hing & Co please help us out and post your comment in box provided.
Warm Regards Yvonne
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Wang Hing Theory by: Craig (owner)
Sorry Not to be mean, I'm not going with the Wang Hing theory..
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Small Update by: Craig (owner)
More and better testing came out to 20kt .30oz....I still wear it.... I learned it could be late 17th early 18th century...
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Wang Hing Hong Kong by: Anonymous
Hi Craig, I moved the drawing into your original post here. Thanks for that. OK. You are reading the marks upside down. It isn't HM but WH - the marks are Chinese export marks. The maker's mark is: Wang Hing & Co Hong Kong late 19th century /early 20th century
Hi Craig -how very interesting. Could you please upload a photo of the actual marks in a follow-up submission. We will need to see a photo of the actual marks.
