Gold, 2.08 grams, 19.70 mm. 18th century AD. A cast bezel ring with scrolled band within heavy borders containing a short memorial text: "REVD. THOS. BARBER OB. 25 SEP: 1774 Æ:64". The bezel is formed as a cloison, now empty, and traces of the fixative paste are visible within the cell. The class of memento mori rings extends from the early mediaeval period, mainly connected with the posthumous cults of saints and churchmen; it is probably coincidence that the deceased commemorated by this ring was a clergyman. Reference: Oman, C.C. Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogue of Rings 1930, reprinted Ipswich, 1993,p.16ff. Very fine condition. Provenance: from an old English collection.