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- (SOLD) Antique Georgian Rare Enamel Urn Mourning Ring, Dated 1803
(SOLD) Antique Georgian Rare Enamel Urn Mourning Ring, Dated 1803
(SOLD) Antique Georgian Rare Enamel Urn Mourning Ring, Dated 1803
We love mourning rings — for the glimpses into lives long gone, but not forgotten. Here, we have a lovely and rare mourning ring, dated 1803. A stylized funeral urn is rendered in white and black enamel in a central plaque. The tapered band is inscribed inside commemorating Katherine Whitby. We are fortunate to have found substantial information about Ms. Whitby, including a portrait of her as a young woman — especially when so often, so little is recorded of the lives of women in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Katherine Whitby (née Dolphin) was born in 1730 in Stafford, the granddaughter of a member of Parliament. In 1752, she married Richard Whitby, Esq., a lawyer, also from a prominent family. Together, they had 4 sons and 7 daughters. Ms. Whitby died on May 5, 1803 at the age of 72, and is buried in Derby at All Saints’ Church. Notably, the renowned artist Thomas Hudson painted her portrait in the 1750s when she would have been recently wed. That portrait now resides in the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford. (See final photo, from https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/mrs-r-whitby-18578). We would be pleased to send our research sources to the purchaser.
A very special ring, indeed, but also so wearable. Looks wonderful stacked with other black and gold enameled rings.
Other rings shown in the 4th photo are not included.
Inscribed inside: Katherine Whitby, obt. May 5th, 1803 aged 72.
9k rosy gold, enamel.
● Ring tapers from 8.9 mm to 2.5 mm
● 2.3 grams
● US ring size 8 (not resizable)
Period: Georgian
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age commensurate wear may be present.
We love mourning rings — for the glimpses into lives long gone, but not forgotten. Here, we have a lovely and rare mourning ring, dated 1803. A stylized funeral urn is rendered in white and black enamel in a central plaque. The tapered band is inscribed inside commemorating Katherine Whitby. We are fortunate to have found substantial information about Ms. Whitby, including a portrait of her as a young woman — especially when so often, so little is recorded of the lives of women in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Katherine Whitby (née Dolphin) was born in 1730 in Stafford, the granddaughter of a member of Parliament. In 1752, she married Richard Whitby, Esq., a lawyer, also from a prominent family. Together, they had 4 sons and 7 daughters. Ms. Whitby died on May 5, 1803 at the age of 72, and is buried in Derby at All Saints’ Church. Notably, the renowned artist Thomas Hudson painted her portrait in the 1750s when she would have been recently wed. That portrait now resides in the Shire Hall Gallery in Stafford. (See final photo, from https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/mrs-r-whitby-18578). We would be pleased to send our research sources to the purchaser.
A very special ring, indeed, but also so wearable. Looks wonderful stacked with other black and gold enameled rings.
Other rings shown in the 4th photo are not included.
Inscribed inside: Katherine Whitby, obt. May 5th, 1803 aged 72.
9k rosy gold, enamel.
● Ring tapers from 8.9 mm to 2.5 mm
● 2.3 grams
● US ring size 8 (not resizable)
Period: Georgian
*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age commensurate wear may be present.
