Waterloo mourning ring set for bidding battle

A George III 22ct gold Waterloo-related mourning band ring is coming up for auction in July. The black enamel dedication reads: ‘Robt. C. Packe Ob 18 June 1815’, with its inner band engraved: ‘The Battle of Waterloo’. The ring features hallmarks for London 1815.

With an excellent provenance, the family of Robert Christopher Packe, possibly gifted to the family of Sir Edward Kerrison, thence by descent within the Kerrison family.

Consigned by the descendants of Edward Kerrison, the ring is believed to commemorate Major Robert Christopher Packe, second son of Charles James Packe esquire of Prestwold, Leicestershire, and Major in the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards Blue, who was killed at the head of his squadron when charging the French Cuirassiers at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815 in the 33rd year of his age.

General Sir Edward Kerrison and Major Robert Christopher Packe were both prominent figures at the Battle of Waterloo. Kerrison commanded the 7th Light Dragoons and was slightly wounded during the battle when his horse was shot from under him. Packe, a Major of The Blues, was killed in action.

Estimated at £1,000-2,000, the ring is coming up in Cotswold auctioneers Kinghams’ Jewellery, Watches & Designer Goods auction on July 9.