Mourning ring, in memory of James Watt

Mourning ring, in memory of James Watt Mourning ring, in memory of James Watt

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License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Mourning ring, 18ct. gold ring decorated with black enamel band & chased with flowers & foliage. "In memory of". Inscribed inside: "James Watt died 25th August 1819 aged 84". Hallmarked - made by J.G. Overall: 10 mm x 20 mm.

James Watt was a Scottish inventor. Watt is most well known for his work on the steam engine which is widely considered to be a significant contributor to the Industrial Revolution. His steam engines were originally used to pump water out of mines. Watt continued to work on steam engines, eventually inventing the double-acting engine. This technology would go on to be used in mills, canals and eventually locomotives.

Although the inscription claims that Watt died 'aged 84', he was actually 83 when we died in 1819.

Details

Category:
Miscellanea & Curiosities
Object Number:
1987-8079
Materials:
gold (metal)
Measurements:
overall: 10 mm 20 mm,
type:
ring
credit:
British Rail, Historical Relics