A ring thought to contain a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hair is set to sell at McTear’s in Glasgow.
Bonnie Prince Charlie, aka Charles Edward Lewis Stuart, was a descendant of the former Catholic king of Britain James VII.
Bonnie Prince Charlie tried to take the British throne in 1745
He led the second Jacobite rising (from Jacobus, Latin for James) to wrest control of the crown from George II, but was roundly defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
The prince enjoyed strong support in Scotland, particularly among the highland clans.
Memorabilia associated with the Jacobites, and Bonnie Prince Charlie in particular, was popular among those supporters.
In 2015, a “Four Peers” ring commemorating the four Scottish nobles executed after the Battle of Culloden sold for £31,500 ($39,129).
The present lot belonged to the Countess of Seafield (1906-1969), one of Britain’s richest women.
She gifted this ring to one of her maids, from whose family it is consigned.
The reverse is inscribed: “In Memoriam Charles Edward Lewis Stuart 1788”.
Sarah Cotter, head of jewellery at McTear’s, said: “Hairwork rings were very popular until the end of the Victorian era and were primarily made for mourning a family member or close friend.
“With the link to the Countess of Seafield and the inscription, we believe this ring will be of interest to both jewellery enthusiasts and collectors of historic memorabilia.”
It’s valued at £10,000-15,000 ($12,449-18,673) ahead of the April 2 auction.
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