Jewellery, Objects of Vertu, Silver and Watches

Royal interest: A Frederick, Prince of Wales mourning ring, 1751, the Prince of Wales’s feathers in white enamel and overlaid with motto ‘Ich Dien’ in black enamel, to a black enamel band reading ‘F:P:W: / OB:20/MAR / 1750 / Æ:44’, mounted in silver and gold, (composite), cased with label to underside reading ‘8’ and ‘Armstrong’, ring size M. £2,000-£3,000

Accompanied by a handwritten note reading ‘Mourning ring, given to Andrew Armstrong of the Royal Household, on the death of Frederick, Prince of Wales, eldest son of George II, on March 20th 1750’ [Julian calendar].

Frederick, Prince of Wales (1707-1751) was the eldest son and heir apparent of King George II, and the father of King George III. At his birth he was fourth in line to the throne, behind his great-grandmother, his grandfather and his father. His grandfather became King George I, reigning between 1714-1727, with his father succeeding the throne as George II. Following this, in 1729 Frederick moved to Britain from his home in Germany and was created Prince of Wales.

Frederick died in London on 31 March 1751 according to the Gregorian calendar, (being 20 March 1750 in the Julian calendar). Britain changed from the Gregorian to the Julian calendar in 1752, loosing 11 days to align with the rest of Western Europe.

Frederick predeceased his father George II and is buried in Westminster Abbey. He had 11 legitimate offspring and was succeeded as Prince of Wales by his son George, who would go on to become King George III in 1760.

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The Prince of Wales’s feathers motif in this ring is roughly contemporary with, but not original to the the black enamelled band.