William Shakespeare interest:- a mounted 19th century wax im...

Hammer

£200

William Shakespeare interest:- a mounted 19th century wax impression from a seal stamp with portrait impression of William Shakespeare. Titled Impression from a Ring which was given by Shakespeare to his friend Richard Burbage, and was worn by Garrick [actor David Garrick] at the Centenary in 1764. The Ring is now in the possession of Philip James Bailey, the author of Festus. Then, in a later hand, Presented to me from Mr. Bailey by his friend Mr. Phibbs, James Baker, 20th October 1894. Mounted, framed & glazed. Cracks to the seal.

Note: it appears unlikely that such a ring was given from Shakespeare to Burbage, however it is well documented that Shakespeare left Burbage 26 shillings and eightpence in his will with which to purchase a Memento Mori ring in his memory. The current whereabouts of the ring itself remain unknown.