The vast majority of mourning rings that pass through our hands commemorate people whose lives are largely forgotten, but this ring is different: we know Charles Williams' story. He died on May 1, 1799, at the remarkable age of 84 after serving as a messenger to the House of Commons. He would have hand-delivered sensitive parliamentary messages during the American Revolutionary War. His family erected a memorial tablet in St. Nicholas Church at Compton honoring both Charles and his brother Thomas, who had held the same position before him. Before he kicked the bucket, Charles wrote in his will that he wished to be buried in a lead coffin.
This ring was made to honor his memory, and the choice of stone is somewhat unusual. At the center is an extra-large bullseye agate, prized in the Georgian period for its concentric “eye”. It seems watchful; its solemn dark color and asymmetric bands give it personality.
Charles Williams Esq[r] Ob 1 May 1799 Aet 84
MATERIALS: 10k gold (tests), 1/2" diameter bullseye agate cabochon
AGE: dated 1799
CONDITION: Very good - engraving is a little faded in places; agate cabochon probably (but not definitely) replaced a hair locket
SIZE: 9, can be resized; 5/8" head, 1/4" shank, 3/8" rise off the finger