Early Georgian Gold Enamelled Memento Mori Skeleton Ring for 'S N'
Dated 1717 A.D. A gold George I period memento mori ring decorated around the exterior with a stylised human skeleton against a black enamelled field, the body featuring an elongated neck, exaggerated numbers of ribs and disproportionately short legs, with a crescent at the base of the feet; interior engraved 'SN 17.17'. Cf. The British Museum, museum number AF.1605 'mourning-ring', for similar dated 1727. 3.15 grams, 20.76 mm overall, 18.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Q 1/2, USA 8 1/4, Europe 18.12, Japan 17) (3/4 in.). Acquired in the late 1990s-2000.Property of an East London gentleman. A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website.]