Two gold and ivory mourning rings England or America,...

Two gold and ivory mourning rings

England or America, dated 1784 and 1797

Both of marquise form, the first, painted with female figure holding caduceus, the white enamel surround inscribed, "SAMUEL SYKES. OB 25. FEB: 1784. AE: 55"; the second, with the allegorical figure of Hope next to woman weeping beside covered urn on plinth inscribed, "AFFECTION/ WEEPS/ HEAVEN/ REJOICES," the reverse inscribed, "John/ Arkell/ Ob. 5 May/ 1797/ Aet 66," both seemingly unmarked.

Ring size(s): 5 3/4 and 11 1/4

PROVENANCE:

The Collection of Irvin & Anita Schorsch.
The first: Acquired from Sandra Solomon, Mrs. John Gordon (Leah Gordon), 1989.