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Memorial ring

Italy

19th century

Gold memorial ring, the oval bezel set with a portrait of King Victor Emanuel II of Italy (1820-1878) under crystal with a black enamel cover with the initials V E set in diamonds and a crown, the shoulders of the hoop with the letter V outlined in black champlevéenamel, the sides are chased with husks

16.71 mm internal ring diameter; 106 g weight

This ring was supposedly found on the battlefield of Sedan, eastern France (1870); given to Fortnum by his neighbour, Mrs Eliza Brightwen.

Presented by Dr C.D.E. Fortnum in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897; WA1899.CDEF.F786

Victor Emmanuel II was the first King of a united Italy and subsequently had a large patriotic following.

Scarisbrick and Henig, Finger Rings, 2003, pl. 29.2

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