Very special antique / vintage sterling silver Night Before Christmas ring:
~ A tribute to the timeless holiday poem - "A Visit from St. Nicholas" - or better known as "T'was the night before Christmas" published anonymously in 1823 - but claimed by Clement Clarke Moore in 1837. Hard to believe 196 years have passed
~ Spoon, wrap or bypass style
~ Intricate details and patterns inside and out - include Santa or St. Nick, brick chimney, double bells and holly, and the famous phrase "Twas the Night Before Christmas" front and center - if you look closely - on the inside of the ring - opposite Santa Clause on the front - you can see his toy sack on the reverse looking to be slung over his shoulder
~ Gorham was established in Providence, Rhode Island in 1831 and spoons were their primary product - but they also made other smalls such as combs, thimbles, and jewelry. To date their items you need to decode their hallmarks. The system of using three symbols began mid 19th century (according to my research I found conflicting start dates of 1848 to 1852)....a lion, anchor and capital "G". The lion is key - as they used different poses. Facing right, as on this ring, was used 1852 to 1865 according to one source and starting in 1860 according to another. The G changed slightly also. The capital Old English script G was used as early as 1863. I would guess that this particular ring would be circa 1863 to 1865 based on the marks - although it is possible it is a later revival piece.
~ This one comes with a rare original box - although it has separated at the hinge. It is is good vintage condition other than that - I am hoping someone out there has the know how to restore it
~ This would make a very special Christmas holiday time ring of heirloom quality to be enjoyed for many more years to come... just as historic and lasting as the poem itself
Ready and waiting for your finger, collection, or gift giving - you will love this!
*US RING SIZE: 4.5 - ish... difficult to be exact due to the wide by pass nature - but 4.5 is in the mid to lower end of the size spread and a very fair estimate - see pic. I would say it is not sizable due to the continual running pattern - but it would make the perfect ring for a child, petite finger, or pinky ring. Perfect candidate for stringing on a necklace chain to wear as a pendant, too
*MEASUREMENTS: 5/8" wide in the very front and tapers to 1/8" or less on the side where there is a single band width right by Santa's hat
*WEIGHT: 7.7 grams on my scale
*MARKS: Line up of Gorham's three European style hallmarks - a right facing lion, an anchor, and and Old English capital "G" and a very small dot or shape. Followed buy STERLING indicating 925/1000 sterling silver metal content
*CONDITION: Great vintage condition - no damage or quirks to mention on the ring at all. The box has come unhinged or separated as mentioned above
View & enlarge photographs to closely inspect fine details and to determine the amount of patina, and/or wear. Most older pieces by nature normally have some degree of both and, unless severe, aren't considered damaged. I will do my best to note anything glaring or distracting. Please utilize the scroll arrows beside the photos to allow yourself the opportunity to view them all.
INVENTORY NOTE = NBC2