Civil War Poison Ring

[Mike Serpa]

Inscribed Civil War Poison or Assassin's Ring. Consultations with Heritage's Fine Jewelry department have verified the ring's authenticity and provided perspective on the great rarity of this piece, with only a handful of examples known to exist. Very heavy, constructed of plated brass. Inscribed inside in period script "June 15th 1863", absolutely authentic and of the period. The top portion of the ring is nicely decorated with hand engraved scroll motifs, The actual mechanism incorporates a small box in which the toxin would be contained. The hinged lid, which covers the box, is slotted to allow a small, pointed, razor sharp, blade to snap out when a tiny release button/trigger is pushed on the side of the box. Except for this tiny slot, which permits the blade to emerge, the presentation is that or a normal, harmless ring, quite diabolical. Excellent condition, just some wear to the plating on the inside and the edges, clearly showing the ring was worn. Although the mechanism seems to work perfectly, the blade cannot be cocked as it has been slightly bent and cannot be completely folded into place, easily repaired. A remarkable Civil War period artifact and, despite the melodramatic overtones, clearly meant to administer a lethal dose of poison.

Sold for: $6,572.50
http://historical.ha.com/itm/milita...-war-poison-or-assassin-s-ring/a/6002-72290.s

 

[John Hartwell]

I'd need a whole lot better documentation and provenance before I'd bite at that one.
The date alone isn't enough to prove a Civil War connection.
Well, ... I might go as high as $50, as a curiosity.

 

[chubachus]

Maybe it was meant to be a hidden blade for use when taken prisoner?