LinneyI and Neville, thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Your explanations and examples tell me all I need to know on the origins of my artifact and how it was 'made'. Indeed, my example does have the soldered joint, which can be seen at 8 o'clock on the picture showing the weight (in OP). I had no idea what a booming (pardon the pun) tourist industry had been developed, dangerous too.
The other examples of rings - including the wonderful cased pair - have increased my interest in these souvenirs and I would certainly be interested in seeing any others people have.
What you say also tells me that, realistically, I am unlikely to discover who "E. ST. V.T." was. That said, it suggests quite a grand name, so I might get lucky.
Plus, gilding the ring seems a bit like putting lipstick on a pig, no offense to pigs, but perhaps suggests it was intended as a presentation piece.
Well, when I joined the forum, a lesson in artillery shell construction was not what I anticipated. I have enjoyed it though and start the day a bit wiser.
Thank you again,
Owen
