A mourning ring worn after the death of Nelson.

Repro ID: E2001

Description: As was customary, rings were produced for Vice-Admiral Nelson's family and friends to wear as a sign of mourning. Some of them had special compartments so that they could contain small locks of his hair. The bezel of the ring shown here is decorated in red and white enamel with the letters 'N' and 'B', below two coronets and the name 'TRAFALGAR' executed on a black enamel background. The hoop of the ring is inscribed 'PALMAM QUI MERUIT FERAT', the Latin motto of Nelson, which means 'Let him who has deserved it bear the palm'. The inside of the bezel is also inscribed with the words 'lost to his country 21 October 1805 Aged 47'.

Creator: John Salter

Date: c. 1805

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London. Nelson-Ward Collection