Gold Collectibles and Curiosities

Vintage Gold-Plated Pocket Gas Lighter By S. T. Dupont, Paris. Like new condition and doesn't appear to have ever have been used.

19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key 19th century brass and gold Watch-Key in round flat shape with eyelet The measurement is 3,7 cm high (incl. eyelet) and 1,3 cm diagonal The w...

Aldunil gas lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill This is a very rare gas pocket-lighter, created in France for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1952. This semi-automatic lighter is the iconic and popular Aldunil model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid .800/.999 sterling silver with 18 karats rose-gold vermeil. All finished with high polish and substantial weight. This very early Aldunil Dunhill lighter is highly collectible and is decorated with diagonal undulates ribbed lines. Model: ALDUNIL. First Produced: Paris, France 1952. Material: 18 karats rose gold. over .800 Sterling silver. Weight: 74.4 Grams, (47.70 Dwt). Measurements: 60 mm by 23 mm by 12 mm (2.36 x 0.91 x 0.47 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks: the jewelry atelier maker's mark, three times with the mark of the Crab for the assay of the .800 silver, the Parisian maker's mark, the reference number, the six-digits serial number and signed in full as follow, "DUNHILL PARIS 64 134482". Alfred Dunhill He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks). Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. Figure-571 Pp-284 for illustrations of this model in silver and gold. Note: This Aldunil pocket lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper butane gas. Was tested and is in working condition. Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

A wonderful 20th Century Dunhill table lighter, featuring panels of engine turned gold gilt alternating with sections of shagreen. Stamped to the underneath "Dunhill". Made in Englan...

Mid-century era 1954 mens Omega automatic watch features a 14k gold-filled case and automatic bumper movement, known for its smooth winding action. The watch is paired with a Speidel...

**Vintage Certina 14K Gold Men's Automatic Watch, Late 20th Century** A distinguished timepiece of understated luxury, this **Certina men's watch** from the late 20th century show...

Paul Flato. An 18-karat gold and gilt 1866 Mexican Peso pendant watch. Signed Paul Flato, Imperio Mexicano, circa 1970 rare find with original Flato box!...

1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch. 14k yellow gold filled. Case #6590704 by Keystone Watch Case Co. (also marked J. Boss 14k). Seaside movement #9344440 and marked Americ...

Rare 14ct Gold Pocket Watch by August Ericsson, St Petersburg, circa 1890 A rare and finely made late 19th century gold pocket watch by August Ericsson (1842–1910), the highly regar...

This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...

Walking stick: jewel walking stick, round iron knob, with engraved gold parts, depicting 5 cameos. Macassar wood cane. Brass and iron ferrule. Russia circa 1880.

New Return to the Motherland 18-karat gold 1997 limited edition fountain pen. After 150 years of the British Union Jack waving over Hong Kong, this influential territory returns to its Motherland, China in July 1, 1997. From a Historic perspective, we cannot ignore the worldwide significance of this event. Authorized by the Association for Celebration of Reunification of Hong Kong with China, Omas creates a magnificent commemorative collection with a prestigious and emblematic design. This distinguished writing instrument, New Old Stock never used, shows distinctive aspects of both Hong Kong and China in 18-karat gold. The cap displays treasured symbols of both Hong Kong and China, with the Bauhinia flower encircled by the words "Return to the Motherland" enameled in the original red color of the Association's official logo. The clip is embellished in the same hue by a thin linear element reminiscent of basic calligraphy. The band around the cap synthesizes the Great Wall of China, one of the most recognized monuments on this earth, the OMAS logo emerging from one of the Wall's majestic gates, and the 4 ideograms meaning "Return to the Motherland" in Chinese. Comes with the original Omas Return to the Motherland inkt. The barrel of the pen follows this theme of combining Hong Kong and Chinese motifs. Sculpted in to the metal sheath of the barrel, two Chinese dragons, mother and child, allude to the relationship between Hong Kong and China and support the emblem of their unity, the pink Chinese dolphin. The OMAS 1997 18 karat gold 063/200 Edition is comprised of 200 fountain pens and features an 18-karat gold calligraphic nib inlaid with a dragon head and engraved with the words "Hong Kong 1997...

Timeless and classic 14-karat Italian yellow gold flexible bracelet with large hollow links.  The stamp "BREV" on the lock clasp stands for "Brevetto." This is the Italian term fo...

Among the most beautifully printed books on Chinese ceramics. Catalogue of the Morgan Collection of Chinese Porcelains by: Bushell, Dr. Stephen W. and William M. Laffan New York: Pr...

Alfred Dunhill Lighter Circa 1957 From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer this Dunhill ‘Carlton’ Spider Web Table Lighter. The Lighter Gold Plated lighter was produced in partnership with Carlton Ware with the ceramic body produced by Stoke on Trent potters Carlton (Carlton Ware). The body has been hand painted with a spider web design amongst blossoming flowers and two dragonflies. The Lighter is embossed to the front Dunhill and bears the registration number to the inside of the pivoting arm 737418. The base of the lighter is stamped Dunhill, Lighter. The Lighter dates to the middle of the 20th century circa 1957. Carlton Ware was established in 1890 by James Frederick Wiltshaw, William Herbert Robinson and James Alcock Robinson trading under the name of Wiltshaw and Robinson. The trademark “Carlton Ware” was introduced in 1894, and the company’s factory was renamed the Carlton Works. The company changed its name multiple times and changed hands finally reaching the name ‘Carlton Ware Ltd’ in 1958. In 1966 the company was sold to Arthur Wood and Sons before coming under financial pressure in the late 1980s being forced into receivership in 1989 and production ending in 1992. In 1997 the Carlton Ware brand was resurrected by Francis Joseph of the Carlton Ware Design Centre, Roslyn Works, Stoke-on-Trent. It continues to manufacture novelty items aimed at the collectors’ market today. Dunhill Lighters specifically the classic petrol lift arm table lighter was introduced by Dunhill in 1928 running until the introduction of gas in the 1960’s. This particular Carlton Wear example was first introduced in the Dunhill catalogue in 1957. The body was created in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent potters Carlton Ware. Carlton Ware produced three different examples to compliment the Dunhill body a fish underwater design, a chinoiserie pagoda design and the spider web as seen here. Dunhill Alfred Dunhill was Born September 30th 1872. From 1890 Dunhill ran a company that sold motoring accessories through mail order under the name Dunhill’s Motorities. In 1902 he opened a shop on Conduit Street, Mayfair which sold clothing...

Chinese 14-Karat Gold and Jade Buddha Necklace Pendant with Ruby

This necklace, ring and earring set is signed by an unknown maker, and presumed to have originated from China and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Export style...

Pair of Montblanc Meisterstuck Fountain Pens, with 14K gold two-tone nibs, marked "4810 / 14K / Montblanc / 585" in burgundy resin body, each with original black resin and gold-tone ...

Gorgeous Victorian old fashioned antique lorgnette with a refined design on the handle. The lens glass is in excellent shape and is framed by decorat...

18-karat yellow gold handmade bracelet consisting of gold wire and ball work. Unknown maker mark. Bracelet has a weight of 27 grams.

A rare and enchanting treasure of Belle Epoque artistry! This early 20th-century Belgian two-bird singing automaton captures the poetry of mechanical design and natural beauty. Prese...

A nice DuPont Butane lighter with a laque de chine and gold plate finish. In good condition with the original box and manual and blank guarantee card. The lighter works. I’ve had a n...

Original S Type "Rollagas" pocket lighter by Dunhill of England, circa 1970, with a serial number of C80994. The lighter features a 14kt 20 microns gold plate and a mixed surface tex...

This antique brooch was retailed by Tiffany & Co., but originated from italy and date to approximately 1920 and done in a Naturalistic style. The origins of the matching earrings is ...

Unique antique Victorian bangle bracelet with buckle and enamel. Hand crafted in solid 14k gold and absolute fabulous blue enamel. A wide design covered with incredible textured work...

A ‘Dervish’s’ Sword Stick Iron, steel and gold Turkey 19th Century Size: 58.5cm long - 23 ins long Provenance: Ex Oliver Hoare, Cabinet of Curiosities Exhibition, June 2012 E...

This antique ladies 'Peek-a-Boo' wristwatch was made by the well known Geneva Watch Company of Switzerland and dates to approximately 1920. This elaborate and ornate watch case is co...

18th Century Italian Tabernacle Door Fragment. Unique piece that can go anywhere. Perfect for a sculpture on the wall in a hallway or niche.

This solid 14-karat yellow gold Queen's Plate Stakes horse racing trophy was made by renowned Danish Canadian silversmith, Carl Poul Petersen for...

Beautiful antique gilt bronze plaque in bas relief of a Greek goddess depicted with wings, probably the goddess Clio, the plaque is mounted on a hardwood carving in neo-Gothic reviva...

Presenting a set of 16 exquisite gold bracelets, once cherished by the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. Crafted in 18-karat gold, each bracelet is adorned with unique coin charms, collect...

London: William Heinemann, 1919. First Edition. 8vo, 7 1/2 x 5 5/8 inches (190 x 140 mm); 219. [4 publisher ads]. Publisher's navy blue cloth with gilt title on cover and spine in ...

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1920. FIRST EDITION, 8th Printing. 8vo, 7 1/2 x 5 1/8 inches (190 x 130 mm); pp. vi, 305, printed in 11 pt Old Style type on wove paper. Dark blu...

Two leather bound volumes published in Dublin, Ireland in the mid 1700's. The Journals of the House of Commons of the Kingdom of Ireland from the Eleventh Year of King James the Fir...

A stunning and rare example of a 19th century hand fan, made of black leather and decorated with gold leaf. The fan has a brisé style, meaning th...

This rare reproduction of the original 1926 Ronson Banjo features a gold-plated finish was produced by Ronson Japan in 1990. The lighter comes fully functional with fresh flit and fluid ready for use. Stamped on the lighter: Ronson Lighter US PATENT Dec,31,1918 RONSON WORLD'S FIRST AUTOMATIC...

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...

This is an absolutely exquisite rare Cooper-gilt ,silver-gold and three Sterling Silver angels Chalice originated from Augsburg (Germany ) in th...

Goldsmith, John An Almanack for the Year of Our Lord God M.DCC.LXXXIV. 1784 London: Company of Stationers, 1783, first edition 48mo, 4 x 2 1/2 in. (113 x 53 mm); pp. 48 + blank page...

Charles Baudelaire: Souvenirs, Correspondances, Bibliographie, suivie de pièces inédites Paris: René Pincebourde, 1872. First, Limited Edition, EXTRA ILLUSTRATED. Small 8vo 8 12 x...

This is an absolutely outstanding and extremely expressive sculpture of Crucified Jesus Christ in carved polychrome wood, on the background of a 16th century Silk Florentine fine fab...

Colección General de los Trajes que en la actualidad se usan en España: principiada en el año 1801 Madrid: Librarias de Castillo, 1801. First Edition 8vo (12mo?); 6 1/2 4 1/8 inche...

Rayner, J.L. and G.T. Crook, editors The Complete Newgate Calendar; Being Captain Charles Johnson's General History of the Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen, Murdere...

Limited Edition Faberge Egg by Victor Mayer – Number. 3 of 25 A magnificent and highly exclusive Faberge collector’s egg, crafted by the esteemed workmaster Victor Mayer. This except...

19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key 19th century brass and gold Watch-Key hanging on a small chain The measurement is 6 cm high in total and the key is 2,5 cm wide The weight is...

A handsome set of twelve tooled and leather bound books. Expert book binders have individually re-bound these carefully selected used books in fine leathers embossed and gold leafed ...

Yellow gold “Boule” ring, perfect sphere adorned with faceted round sapphires and small brilliants. Ring size: 58. P. Brut: 13.5g France, circa 1920.

One of the rarest English works on moths. Johnson, Theophilus (1836-1919) Illustrations of British Hawk Moths and their Larvae (including the Sesidae); with thirty-six original draw...

London, 1796. 64mo, 1 1/4 x 1 3/8 in. (57 x 33 mm), 24pp. Very beautiful publisher's Venetian style mosaic style inlaid morocco in green, red, and blue, with gilt decorations, centr...

19th Century Brass and Gold Watch-Key 19th century brass and gold Watch-Key in round flat shape with floral edge and eyelet The measurement is 3,3 cm high (incl. eyelet) and 1,8 c...

Original 1940 Swiss-made gold-filled Men's dress watch by Helbros features an elegant Art Deco design with a unique tonneau-shaped case. The watch is adorned with rubies at the corne...

Mechanical vesta matches box designed by Asprey & Company. This is a very rare and unusual mechanical vesta-box for matches, created in London England by Asprey & Company Limited, back in the 1925. The pocket vesta-box was crafted during the art deco period in solid .925/.999 sterling silver with yellow gold accents and decorated with engine turned guilloche patterns. It is fitted with two lids connected by an eight-barrels hinge and a concealed mechanical sliding lock. This box show excellent craftsmanship and is in great condition. A highly collectable piece. Country: London, England. Period: Art Deco, 1925-1926. Materials: Sterling silver, yellow gold and iron. Weight: 45.40 Grams, (29.10 Dwt). Measurements: 55 mm by 44 mm by 9 mm (2.17 x 1.74 x 0.35 Inches). Hallmarks Stamped with British crown marks, the lion's face mark for the city of London, the maker's mark A&Co Ltd., the mark for the assay and warranty of the .925 silver, the gothic letter L for the years 1925-1926 and signed in full as follows, "ASPREY LONDON MADE IN ENGLAND A&CO LTD "L" ASPREY'S PATENT NO-21914". Asprey The company was established in England in Mitcham, Surrey, in 1781. Founded as a silk printing business by William Asprey, it soon became a luxury emporium. In 1841, William Asprey's elder son Charles went into partnership with a stationer located on London's Bond Street. In 1847, the family broke with this partner and moved into 167 New Bond Street, the premises Asprey occupies today. From its central London location, Asprey advertised 'articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.' An early specialty was dressing cases. Asprey crafted traditional cases and designs, mostly in leather, suitable for the new style of travel ushered in by railways. As the business grew, the company acquired manufacturing facilities and hired silversmith, goldsmith, jewelers and watchmakers. In the 1920's, commissions poured in from around the world, from American millionaire J. P. Morgan to potentates such as the Maharaja of Patiala, who commissioned a huge teak travelling trunk for each of his wives, in which each trunk was fitted with solid silver washing and bathing utensils with waterspouts of ornate tiger head and lined with blue velvet. Asprey cigarette cases...

GOLDEN COCKEREL PRESS / Keats, John Lamia, Isabella, The Eve of Saint Agners & Other Poems; with Engravings by Robert Gibbins Waltham St.Lawrence: Golden Cockerel Press, 1928. Limited Edition. Quarto, 12 x 7 1/2 inches (305 x 190mm); pp. 104; with nineteen wood-engravings by Robert Gibbings (1889-1958); copy 178 of 345 copies printed Batchelor hand-made paper, special Cockerel watermark; red ink on title page, red and blue ink for incidental initials by Eric Gill and David Jones's colophon device; 1/4 brown sharkskin and green cloth by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, London; gilt titling; top edge gilt, others uncut; slight staining to head of spine, clean, fresh, and bright inside and out. [Chanticleer 62; Ransom p. 298, no. 60]. An elegant and beautifully proportioned and illustrated version of John Keat's (1795-1825) famous poems, which constitute the final volume Keats lived to see, published in July 1820. From the Oxford text edited by H. Buxton Forman. Robert Gibbings (1889-1958) was and Irish wood...

Walking stick: jeweled walking stick with a gold milord knob and faceted garnet stones, depicting clovers. engraved with a dedication Noèl, a date 1910 and a noble coat of arms of th...

This exquisite 7.75 carat diamond Boucheron watch is both dazzling and dainty with its elegant, slim design accented by an array of sparkling diamonds. Boucheron ladies diamond oval/...

Montagu, Mrs. (Elizabeth), 1718-1800 An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare; An essay on the writings and genius of Shakespeare, compared with the Greek and French dramat...

Walking stick: Art Nouveau jeweled walking stick, gold and silver milord knob with intertwined CHARLOTTE monogram. Fruitwood shaft. Light bovine horn ferrule. Signed Philippe Wolfers...

Collection Italian Miniature Green Malachite Silver Vermeil Musical Instruments Italian, 20th Century Largest (harp): Height 6cm, diameter 3.7cm This delicate ensemble of miniatur...

This unique book is very rare and terrific edition which goes back to late 19th century, approximately 1870-1875. This is one of two volumes of Complete Works of W. Shakespeare. This...

An extremely rare ring that commemorates the naval hero, Horatio Nelson, who died in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, fighting against the Napoleonic forces. Dr William Nelson, the admiral's brother, ordered 58 mourning rings for family and friends and every admiral and post-captain who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar . The ring is inscribed on the bezel ‘Trafalgar’; outside the hoop with Nelson’s motto in Latin, ‘Let him who earned it bear the palm [of victory]’, adopted by Nelson from a poem ‘Ad Ventos’ written in 1727 by John Jortin (1698-1770). Inside is the inscription ‘Lost to his country 21 October 1805, aged 47’. The initials N and B stand for Nelson and Bronte. Admiral Nelson was given the title of Duke of Bronte in 1799 by the King of Sicily and in 1801 became a Viscount. The two coronets above the initials refer to these titles. Tthe motto Palmam qui meruit ferat ("let him who has earned it, bear the palm") was added to his coat of arms in 1798 after the Battle of the Nile. Nelson was buried with full honours in St Paul's Cathedral. His cortege consisted of 32 admirals, over a hundred captains, and an escort of 10,000 soldiers. This ring is an example of only fifty-eight that were made by Nelson's jeweller John Salter in 1806. Thirty-one were for Nelson's close family and friends, the rest for pall-bearers and other dignitaries (see The Nelson Dispatch, vol.3 pt.XII, oct.1990). Three similar examples of this ring are held extremely prestigious museums in the capital. One is in the Greenwich National Maritime Museum in London, another in The British Museum in London and another in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, exhibited in the Jewellery Gallery, case 23, no. 8. The ring has a particularly special provenance, arguably like no other mourning ring of Admiral Nelson’s. The ring belonged to the Reverend Alexander John Scott. The Reverend Alexander John Scott (1768-1840) was a British naval chaplain. He was appointed to the flagship H.M.S. Victory in 1803 where he served as private secretary to Lord Nelson. He was with Nelson when when he was shot on the quarter-deck of the Victory at the battle of Trafalgar on the 21st October 1805. Scott attended his dying chief in the cockpit of the flagship, receiving his last wishes. He refused to leave Nelson's body until it was brought back to England and placed in the coffin to lie in the Painted Hall Greenwich. The ring, lock of hair and music book were passed down by the direct descendants of the Reverend Alexander John Scott's family and eventually gifted to the previous owners. The music book was a personal possession of the Reverend which gives watertight provenance of the person who owned the ring. It is not clear exactly what Admiral Nelson’s last words really were although Scott documents Nelson’s last words to be “God and my country“. However, it is also recorded that a statement during his last hours was "Thank God I have done my duty.” Perhaps these two statements uttered in the last moments sound similar when mumbled by a feeble dying man. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy is that Scott remained by Admiral Nelson’s side as he died and his version is probably the most reliable. The lock of hair is reputedly that of Lord Admiral Nelson. Without a DNA test there can be no conclusive proof of such. However, given that Reverend Alexander John Scott was with Nelson from the moment he was shot on the quarter-deck of H.M.S. Victory until the moment he was placed in his coffin, there is no reason to believe it is not a lock of Nelson’s hair. It is difficult to overstate the significance and rarity of Nelson’s mourning rings. With only fifty-eight made, the vast majority of them were given to close family members and only a few were given to close friends. A close friend who receives a morning ring...