January 19th 2017 Premier Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/19/2017
Circa 1855. Really beautiful and unusual ring of very heavy yellow gold. One side of ring with three scene: a Native American on horse back chasing bison, beneath a scene of running dog, beneath a scene of flying bird. All this in relief. On other side, the top panel depicts miners working, beneath that, a wolf, and the lowest panel, a coiled snake. All in relief. Top of the ring shows an American shield depicting Stars and Stripes with an American eagle in a smaller shield with wings spread and the moto "E. Pluribus Umum". The shield lifts to reveal a secret compartment divided in four sections, each filled with ore samples held in the compartment with a crystal cover. Stamped by maker "B. & S. Cal." for the jewelry firm Barrett & Sherwood who were one of the premiere gold quartz jewelers working in San Francisco during the gold rush period. In fine condition overall. Includes a nice little ring box that is old but may not be original to the piece.