AMERICAN ENAMELED GOLD MOURNING RING, DATED 1793

With inscription "JONATHAN D. SERGEANT DIED 8 OCT 1793" on black enamel ground, apparently unmarked.

David P. Willis Antiques, Plainfield, New Jersey.

Museum of Mourning Art, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

losses to enamel throughout, 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.

Jonathan D. Sergeant (1746-1793), lawyer and congressman, was born in Newark, NJ to Jonathan and Abigail (Dickinson) Sergeant. His maternal grandfather, the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson was the first president of the College of New Jersey, and his father was treasurer there from 1750-77. He was a member of the Continental Congress and the New Jersey Provincial Congress, where he was one of the framers of the NJ Constitution. He served as attorney general of Pennsylvania from 1777-1780. He married Margaret Spencer of Trenton and had eight children; then married Elizabeth, daughter of David Rittenhouse, and had three children.