Mourning ring
Category
Jewellery
Date
1795 (circa)
Materials
Gold and enamel.
Collection
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
NT 288801
Summary
A gold memorial ring, circa 1795. The circular bezel is enamelled in black with white line enamel hoop decoration. The centre exhibits the monogram 'MtE' with Earl's coronet above and bearing the motto 'SACRED TO FRIENDSHIP'. It has a black and white enamelled mount. The bezel is back engraved: Rt. Hon. Geo. Earl of Mt. Edgcumbe died 4th Feb.y 1795 Aged 74.
Full description
The ring memorialises George Edgcumbe (1720-1795), first earl of Mount Edgcumbe. A naval officer, Edgcumbe saw action in numerous campaigns achieving the rank of Vice Admiral in 1762 and Admiral of the White in 1782. He was created Viscount Mount Edgcumbe and Valletort in 1781 and, in 1789, was granted the further title of Earl of Mount Edgcumbe.
Provenance
Calke Abbey and contents transferred to the National Trust by the Treasury in lieu of CTT in 1985 with an endowment provided by the NHMF.
Marks and inscriptions
Back bezel.: Rt. Hon. George, earl of Mount Edgecumbe died Feby. 1795 aged 74 Front bezel.: MtE Sacred to Friendship