Taynton Metal Detecting Club
The Gannets
Gold Mourning Ring
Found by John Feenan, returned to finder treasure.
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Inscribed DIE TO LIVE ETERNALLY.
17th-18th Century.
Description
Gold mourning ring with a d-shaped hoop. Inscribed to the inside 'Die to live eternally'; this is followed by a maker's mark - 'R' within an irregularly-shaped shield punch. The outside has been engraved with three skulls within oval borders; these are set at regular intervals around the band. Between these skulls is a pattern comprised of a cross-shaped centre with ornate terminals. Scrollwork flows from the crosses.
Discussion
Mourning rings were usually made in memory of a recently deceased relation. Often money was left in wills with which to have a ring commissioned for this purpose. The maker of the ring cannot be identified but accorded to A. Dove, a hallmarking expert, the punch has the characteristics of West Country marks, see T. Kent, "West Country Silver Spoons and their Makers", 1550-1750(1992). Such a provenance is consistent with the findspot. The exact inscription is not recorded by Evans (1931), although 'DYE . TO. LIVE. EVER' is noted(p33). A similar inscription is found on a ring within the British Museum collections: '+DYE TO LIVE'.
Straightened by Bakers jewellers in Gloucester.