Jim,, for me also,, VERY interesting.. How does all that explain the almost premature wear on 1st pattern rings!! You can [with an experienced eye] also see the difference in silver color between the 1st and 2nd pattern.
As far as wear,,,something to take in to consideration,,, A cast ring will wear much much faster than a pressed ring! So we have what we hope is originals and we know they are wearing out fast,,yet a pressed ring like Hapurs seeming to last and last ..
