Emblems of mortality

A fine quality and substantial Georgian mourning hoop, dated 1761. It is high carat gold and around the outer scrolled hoop reserved on a black enamel ground are emblems of mortality – a skull, crossed bones, a winged hourglass, a gravedigger’s tools, a coffin and the crown of immortality. To interior the details of the deceased : Rt. Hon. Lady Mary Gregory Ob. 10 Jan 1761 Aet 42. Lady Mary [Grey] Gregory was the youngest daughter of Henry, Duke of Kent and Jemima Crew, Duchess of Kent. In 1743 Mary married David Gregory, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford. They had three sons and a daughter. Her death was reported in the Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette on 15th January 1761: Last Saturday night died here, after a tedious illness, Lady Mary Gregory, Wife of the Rev. Dr Gregory, Dean of Christ Church Oxford. Her husband outlived her by six years and was buried with his wedding ring tied to his finger. The ring is size K and 1/2 [US 5 and 3/8]. It is one  of the best examples of this type of mourning ring I have seen – solid, weighty and with original enamel work in immaculate condition.

sold

Flitton, St John the Baptist, de Grey Mausoleum