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1992-49, Ring
Mourning Ring with George and Martha Washington's Hair
1992-49, Ring

Mourning Ring with George and Martha Washington's Hair

Date1802
OriginAmerica
MediumCopper/gold/silver alloy, glass, hair
DimensionsD: 7/8" H: 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1992-49
DescriptionGold mourning ring containing a braid of composed of two shades of hair beneath an oval bezel-set glass. The brown and blond hair is presumably that of George and Martha Washington. Inscription on the inside of band: George &/Martha/ Washington.
Label TextHonored in life, George Washington was revered in death. In his will Washington named several friends who should receive mourning rings as "mementos of my esteem and regard." Although not one of those specified in the will, this gold ring was also created in the same spirit of esteem and regard. It descended in the family in Tobias Lear, Washington's secretary and husband of Martha Washington's niece.
Modern researchers have established that Washington maintained a long tradition of giving locks of his hair to family, friends, and others. A number of pieces of jewelry thought to contain such keepsakes have survived. Perhaps Lear received this memento from the president himself or he may have obtained clippings after Washington's death. Lear wrote in his journal on December 17, 1799: "The body was laid in the coffin-- at which time I cut off some of the hair."
This gold ring is engraved "George & Martha Washington" on the inside of the band, suggesting that the differently colored interwoven hair under the glass belonged to the first president and his wife.

InscribedEngraved in semi script inside of ring: "George & / Martha / Washington"
ProvenanceU. S. Tobias Lear family association.