Lincoln & Herndon

[L Verge]

Toia is correct that the wedding ring was optional for a man in the 19th century and pretty much continues that way today in the U.S. I think much of it is tied to occupations. Skilled laborers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc. need their hands to be ring free while working. In the old days, it might also have been an issue of expense -- the bride's family was already providing the wedding, why add the cost of a ring?

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(07-13-2014 12:03 PM)L Verge Wrote:  Toia is correct that the wedding ring was optional for a man in the 19th century and pretty much continues that way today in the U.S. I think much of it is tied to occupations. Skilled laborers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc. need their hands to be ring free while working. In the old days, it might also have been an issue of expense -- the bride's family was already providing the wedding, why add the cost of a ring?

I asked this question on another post last year: How did they engrave gold and silver in the 1840s? They didn't have those electronic gadgets to do it with. I am assuming by hand - and that means that it took more than short notice to engrave that entire inscription of initials, date (which would have to have been set earlier than 24 hours), and loving thoughts. The logic to me is that Mr Lincoln intended to take Mary as his lawfully wedded wife at least several days before the nuptials. Does that make sense? They couldn't just drive out to Las Vegas for a quickie.