Hello everyone, Thanks for your overwhelming info on what I thought was a bit of a long shot question. I didn't know the marks inside the ring actually had a name, and I have found several interesting bits of info since doing a google search on 'hallmarks" I had previously just been searching on military rings but all those sites were very American and I don't think my gt-grandfather was actually in the Navy anyway. I now have several good leads to follow and am convinced that the ring was assayed in Birmingham in 1901, I just need a little more info. I think it would certainly be worth a trip to an antique specialist. Many thanks for all your wonderful help Jo