The Ring Dodge February 3, 2017
Author: Beach Combing | in : Modern , trackback
This trick is so well known that Beach has seen versions of it on crass TV shows. Still here is the ring dodge in all its pristine glory from 1894.
At the London Guildhall, on Monday, Ann Francis was charged with attempting to obtain money by false pretences. Detective Evans, of the Great Eastern Railway Police, stated that on the afternoon of the 15th inst. he was on the footbridge of Liverpool-street Station. The prisoner went up to him and said ‘Young man, I have picked up this ring in the street. I suppose some young lady has dropped it off her finger. It a good one, and is gold.’ Witness said, ‘lt looks very clean.’ Prisoner said, ‘Yes, I have wiped the mud off. I come from Devonshire, where, if a ring is lost, the town crier goes about saying so.’ Witness said, ‘If it is gold I should, if I were you, take it to the policestation.’ She said, ‘I cannot do that; I will take it to a jeweller’s and sell it. It is no good to an old woman like me. If it is any good to you for 2 shillings you can have it.’ Witness said, ‘It looks a very good one of its sort, but it is no good to me.’ She went away. Witness spoke to Detective-sergeant Campbell, and they watched the accused, whom they saw offer rings to several young ladies, one of whom purchased one. They went after the accused and charged her. When she was searched four other rings were found upon her. They were all worthless —Mr. Alderman Davies sentenced her to three mouths’ imprisonment with hard labour
The key is involving the mark in the dishonesty. The young woman who bought the ring was taking someone else’s property. Other nineteenth century dodges: drbeachcombing AT yahoo DOT com
Totnes Weekly Times (27 Jan 1894), 3