GEORGE WASHINGTON
A GOLD AND ENAMEL MOURNING RING FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON

These lots have been imported from outside the EU … Read more

Property from the Collection of David Gainsborough Roberts

GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799)A GOLD AND ENAMEL MOURNING RING FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON

CIRCA1800

Details

GEORGE WASHINGTON (1732-1799)
A GOLD AND ENAMEL MOURNING RING FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON
CIRCA1800
The oval glazed bezel enclosing an engraved portrait of George Washington in profile facing right, within black and black and white champlevé enamel inscription 'GEO: WASHINGTON OB: 14 DECR 1799, AE 68, ring size O
1 in. (2.5 cm.) high

Special notice

These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction.

Lot Essay

The tiny profile portrait of Washington was produced by Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de Saint- Mémin (1770-1852) and was specifically made for Washington mourning rings. The engraving was based on a sketch by Saint-Mémin in late 1798 and it is thought to be the last portrait of Washington drawn from life. In order to produce the miniature portrait the artist used an instrument known as a physiognotrace.

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