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Maker: unknown
Original owner: Viscount Exmouth (1757-1833)
Made year: first half of the 19th century
Origin: Halmstad, Sweden
Dimensions: inner dia. 19 mm, ornament dimensiona wd/lt 12/14 mm, wt. 7 gm
Condition: Consistent with general wear and age
This signet ring is made of 18 karat gold and has a special feature: its seal can be opened to reveal a hidden compartment with an image of Viscount Exmouth inside. On the seal of the ring, the word "Algiers" is engraved, surrounded by a beautiful pattern that looks like tiny, precise dots forming geometric shapes. The shaft of the ring is decorated with designs that resemble Roman ornaments, giving it an antique and elegant look.
This ring is versatile and can be worn by both men and women. When worn on the finger, it looks prominent yet sophisticated, suitable for various occasions.
This signet ring was owned by Baron Edward Pellew (1757-1833), later made Viscount Exmouth. He was an officer in the British navy and became an admiral in charge of England's Mediterranean fleet, which successfully attacked Algiers in 1816. Thousands of slaves of European descent were freed during this event, and Pellew was rewarded by being raised from baron to viscount.
Pellew's sister, Catarina Samuelsdotter Jägerskiöld (1757-1786), was married to Carl Ludvig Jägerskiöld, an officer of Finnish origin (1758-1811). Their only son, Christer Ludvig's descendants, still live in both Finland and Sweden. The ring must have somehow come into the possession of the Jägerskiöld family after Viscount Exmouth's death and then passed down as an heirloom.