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18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring

US UK

18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring

$8,000.00

Description

DATE: George II, 1758

An incredible Georgian Full Body Skeleton Ring dating from the mid 18th Century. Finished in black enamel, the skeleton is depicted around the whole outer surface of the ring; quite unusually, the arms are outstretched above the skull so they touch the feet. An inscription to the inner band reads: "Bryan Benson Esq: ob: 14 Oct: 1758 aet: 84" along with the maker's mark CD. It's crafted in 18 karat gold and remains in great condition for its age. An exceptional example of its kind, and truly a museum-quality piece.

In 1735, Bryan Benson was appointed as Governor of the Bank of England by King George II, a hugely prestigious title that he held until 1737. This ring would likely have been given out at his funeral to a close family member, friend, or business partner. The skeleton is a literal symbol of death/mortality, and in the 1750s would have served as a memento mori symbol to remind the wearer not only of the deceased, but of the brevity and transience of life itself.

MEASUREMENTS 

Width of band: 3.4mm

WEIGHT 

5.5g

MARKS 

Maker's mark CD - Tests as 18k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, some light wear to the gold commensurate with age and use. Overall the condition is great for its age

18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring 18th Century Full Body Skeleton Ring