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Mourning ring with miniature portrait of John Quincy Adams

probably 1855–74
Object Place: United States

Medium/Technique Gold
Dimensions Height x width: 1 3/16 in., 2 cm (3 cm, 13/16 in.)
Credit Line Bequest of Mrs. Arthur Croft—The Gardner Brewer Collection
Accession Number01.6590
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Americas
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentRings

DescriptionAn eighteenth-century mourning ring which appears to be engraved with the name and dates of Ammi Sansam. The contents have been removed and replaced at a later time by a small miniature portrait of John Quincy Adams.
InscriptionsAmmi? / Sansam? / died / 14 April / 1788 / aged / 52

From ledger copy (see object file): "Ann Lansam, died 14 April 1788 aged 52"
ProvenanceUntil 1874, probably Gardner Brewer (b. 1806 - d. 1874), Boston; probably by descent to his daughter, Caroline Abigail Brewer (Mrs. Arthur) Croft (d. 1898), Boston; 1901, bequest of Mrs. Arthur Croft to the MFA. (Accession Date: July 1, 1901)