Stephen Decatur became an international hero after his significant victory over the Barbary pirates in Tripoli, ending with the June 4, 1805 surrender to the United States. This signet ring is made of high karat gold with about a 3/4" Carnelian engraved with the seal of Hammuda Ibn Ali, ruler of Tunis from 1782 until his death September 15, 1814. In Alexander McKenzie's text Life of Stephen Decatur..., 1846, pg 122 "At Naples, Decatur was praised and dubbed "Terror of the Foe" by the local media. Upon hearing the news of their victory in Tripoli, Pope Pius the VII publicly declared that the United States, though in their infancy, had done more to humble and humiliate the anti-Christian barbarians on the African coast in one night then all the European states had done for a long period of time". It would be interesting to compare any of the official documents of surrender to see if they were sealed with this particular signet. This signet ring was such a prized possession of the Decatur family that a copy was made by Lila Mayo for and always worn by Admiral Morton L. Deyo. SIZE: PROVENANCE: A most historical and important collection from the estate of Maria Decatur Mayo Deyo (Lila) Garnett of Kittery Point, Maine. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Carnelian has numerous tiny scratches to surface. There are apparent solder or braised marks internally. Interested parties should examine. 52714-158 JGS (10,000-15,000)