LOT 0362

Georgian Gold Mourning Ring with Opening Clasped Hands

DATED 14TH DECEMBER 1774 A.D.

1 in. (8.44 grams, 24.71 mm overall, 17.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)).

Formed of a wide band with faux-ropework borders and plaited brown hair, hinged outer cover with the locking mechanism formed as two clasping hands, three circular openings with decorative cuts on each arm; inside engraved with 'Dbre 14/74'. [No Reserve]

From the old family collection of a West Country, UK, lady; acquired by descent from her grandfather circa 2001.

Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 759, for type.

This ring features the ancient fede motif of two hands clasped together. These symbols represented love and fidelity. The ring was likely a token of love symbolising everlasting devotion, or possibly a betrothal ring. The motif of the two clasped hands was already in use in ancient Rome, as a symbol of pledging of vows, which derives from the Roman dextarum iunctio (right hand joined). Fede rings remained popular throughout Europe until well into the 19th century.