Mourning Ring. George III period 18ct gold mourning ring in the form of a snake

Mourning Ring. George III period 18ct gold mourning ring in the form of a snake, the inner band engraved 'Joseph Planta Esq, … 3 Decr 1827, … 83 yrs Mons’, there is a secret compartment containing a lock of hair, the snakes head silvered and inset with small diamond chippings, 20mm diameter, presented in a glazed frame with a related book titled 'That Noble Cabinet A History of the British Museum' by Edward Miller (an image of Joseph Planta features on page 97), size H/I, weight 3.7g

(Qty: 1)

r

Joseph Planta (1744-1827) was born in Switzerland and moved to England in 1752. He became the Principal Librarian of the British Museum and worked there until his death.

Whilst at the British Museum, Planta produced a library catalogue for the Cotton manuscripts and organised the rehousing of the museum's coin collection. His time as Principal Librarian was a significant period in the history of the British Museum. He improved the facilities available for the public, recruited assistants to guide visitors and improved pay.