Georgian Memento Mori Memorial Ring Commemorating William Wake, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1736

Jean Papin Antiques is proud to offer this fine 18th century historically significant ring which memorializes William Wake, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop, being the head of the church of England, is responsible for presiding of the coronation of the King or Queen of England ( in this case George II in 1727).
It is in excellent condition for its age of almost 300 years.
William Wake was born January 26, 1657 in Blandford, and was the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1716 until his death. Interestingly, his year of death is sometimes noted as being in 1736 as stated on this ring, but is usually noted as having occurred in 1737. This is because England adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1750, and it was fully implemented by 1752. Prior to 1750 the Julian calendar was used, and the New Year did not occur until March. He passed in January, hence the discrepancy.
During this period, it was customary for wealthy people to have monies set aside in their last will and testament for memorial rings to be made for a select group of friends and loved ones. The style during the 1730s had a distinct Rococo influence as this one does. The central crystal is the shape that was typical for its circa date, and it is backed with silver foil to increase its brilliance. These rings are becoming increasingly hard to find due to the interest in them. This one is especially significant due to the fact that it memorializes a well known person, an Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the head of the Church of England.
There are many online sources which cite the life and work of Archbishop William Wake. He was educated at Christ Church, Oxford. Reverend Wake was a prolific writer. He translated and published the book called "The Forbidden Books of the Original New Testament", a controversial book in its day which is still available for sale today. He believed in education and opened a school for boys. "His greatest contribution to Blandford life was the bequest of £1000 (later augmented to £1716, a massive sum in those days) for the foundation of a charity school for the education of twelve boys in the town. Such a fund ensured that the school could continue long after his death, and the uniform of long blue coat, yellow stockings and buckle shoes of the 'blue-coat boys' was a familiar sight in Blandford for many years." Taken from 'The Archbishop of Blandford', Dorset Life - a Dorset magazine, the author of the article is Tony Burton-Page. The article further speaks of the life of Reverend Wake.
This ring is approximately a size 5.75. it is not sizable. Rings with a rounded interior as this one has have a little more wiggle room and I feel that it could fit a size 6 finger. The construction of these rings is fascinating. The letters are crisp because they are hand engraved by removing the gold. Then enamel is filled into the recesses and it is fired in a kiln. The condition is excellent for its almost three centuries of age, with signs of minor wear to the enamel on the underside of the ring seen only with a jeweler's loupe. No repairs have been made.
Aside from being an exquisite ring to behold, this is a museum quality historical object.