The Make of Man - Sentimental Antique Ring
The hand of a man, the slender thread of life and mortality, and the representation of nature and geometry are inexplicably entwined in this dignified and handsome sentimental man’s ring. Engraved in flowing script, "Henry Denne Esq. Obt 16 Aug 1822 At. 67" we have all we need to know.
Memorializing Henry Denne, Esquire, we see he passed on in August in the year 1822 at a respectable age of 67. Moreover, we have a beautiful full set of English marks--an head, a crown, an 18, a queen's head, a lion's head, and a g. These are assay marks, 18k gold marks, town marks (for London) and the year mark for 1822. Not only are we allowed a glimpse into a life lived long ago, but we know precisely the origins and meaning of the ring.
Encircled by black enamel, the central rim uses sculptural chased and relief of a floral pattern. In near mint condition, the ring measures 7/16 of an inch in thickness (1.1 cm) and is a US 13 (UK size Z ¾; Euro 22.25) and cannot be sized. A substantial total weight of 9 grams. Certainly a man’s ring, most likely worn by a close friend or male relation who endured after the passage of a well-to-do English gentleman of the Georgian era.
