With familial links to Jane Austen and a notorious British naval officer this aristocratic antique Georgian mourning ring dated 1799 is made in warm 18ct rose-gold and has a glass locket compartment in the front containing a weave of hair.
A quality piece, the ring is large and elegantly imposing, it features a tall curved baguette shaped face leading to wide graduated shoulders. A white and black enamel line frames the locket compartment on the front. The ring is engraved on the inside with " Frances Knatchbull, obt. 23 Nov. 1799, age 37".
Lady Frances Graham Knatchbull was the 2nd wife of Sir Edward Knatchbull, 8th Baronet of Mersham, Kent. His eldest son, the 9th Baronet, went on to marry Fanny Austen Knight who was the beloved niece and close correspondent of the novelist Jane Austen. Lady Frances was also the mother of the notorious Royal Navy officer John Graham Knatchbull who was transported to New South Wales in 1824 for stealing a cheque and a gold sovereign. While in Australia his criminal activities continued, he was eventually convicted of murdering a shopkeeper in 1844 and executed in Sydney.
A fascinating ring steeped in a rich family history to explore!
DETAILS:
METAL: 18ct gold
MEASUREMENTS: face measures 1.5cm x 1.4cm, locket compartment 9 x 7mm, shoulders 10mm wide, band 4mm wide
WEIGHT: 7.4 grams.
RING SIZE: 9-1/4 (US), S (UK) with sizing available for an additional fee
DATE: Georgian, dated 1799
HALLMARKS: none, acid tested and verified 18ct gold
CONDITION: in very, very good antique condition showing just the expected signs of age like light surface wear to the gold and enamel under magnification. The hair weave is still nice and visible with no cracks or scratches to the glass. Note any dark spots are reflections.
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. Each piece is hand selected with you in mind and we rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide tracked & insured shipping for all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no added tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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Materials: 18ct gold, Back Pastes, Hair.