Ring with open book. N. D

between 1800 and 1899
Not on view
Possibly made by a prisoner or a sailor, this ring is not unique, but rare. The open book motif has the engraved initials "N" filled with red wax, and "D" filled with black wax, and two engraved five-pointed stars, with open centers, on each side of the book, filled with black wax. -- description by Mindell Dubansky in consultation with Lynn Heckman

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ring with open book. N. D
  • Date: between 1800 and 1899
  • Dimensions: 1 ring : bone, colored wax ; Height: 1 1/16 × 1 in. (27 × 25 × 12 mm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Lynn and Bruce Heckman
  • Object Number: N7433.3 .R56 1800

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