AMERICAN GOLD, TOPAZ AND ENAMEL MOURNING RING, DATED 1770

Mounted with a topaz stone, the band with inscription "Revd. Geo. Whitefield OB 30 Sep. 1770 AE 56," on black enamel ground, with silver box, the front engraved the same, the back engraved "The Revd G*W to Mrs. D", both apparently unmarked.

Museum of Mourning Art, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

band with some enamel loss, otherwise good
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.

Born in Gloucester, England, George Whitefield (1714-1770), also known as George Whitfield, was an Anglican cleric. He attended Pembroke College, Oxford University and became one of the founders of Methodism and of the evangelical movement. In 1740, Whitefield came to America, where he preached a series of revivals that came to be known as the "Great Awakening." He traveled throughout the American colonies and drew thousands of people with his sermons, becoming one of the most widely-recognized public figures in colonial America. Whitefield died in the parsonage of Old South Presbyterian Church, Newburyport, MA, on September 30, 1770, and was buried there.