ENGLISH GOLD AND ENAMEL MOURNING RING, MAKER'S MARK LO, DATED 1707/08

Decorated with a skeleton and a crossed shovel and pick on a black enamel ground, interior engraved "EW obt. 22 Mar: 70 7/8 aet: 14," marked Lo in Gothic script in rectangle.

By descent to Galfry William Gatacre (d. 1974);
Inherited by a branch of family in Canada;
Argentum- The Leopard's Head, San Francisco, California.

Museum of Mourning Art, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

some wear and nicks to enamel but no noticeable losses, overall good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The mark is possibly for the London silversmith Seth Lofthouse. His mark LO in Gothic initials was registered probably April 1697, but Grimwade notes that a similar mark exists with a smaller "o" and another larger, same date (Grimwade, 1990, p. 143).

The date reads Mar 70 7/8, most likely intending to read 1707/08. This form of double dating was a response to the two forms of dating before England and its colonies officially changed to the Gregorian Calendar in 1752. Between 1582 and 1752, not only were two different calendars in use in Europe, but two different starts of the year were in use in England. England, using the Julian calendar, started the year on March 25, but other European countries using the Gregorian calendar celebrated January 1 as the new year.

To avoid misinterpretation, both years were often used in English and colonial records for dates falling between January 1 and March 25, a system known as double dating. Such dates are usually identified by a slash mark, as done on this ring.