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Topaz ring given by Sam Houston to his Wife. Sam Houston. Gold ring with topaz stone given by Sam Ho

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Topaz ring given by Sam Houston to his Wife. Sam Houston. Gold ring with topaz stone given by Sam Ho
<B>Sam Houston. Gold ring with topaz stone given by Sam Houston to his wife.</B></I> "Ladies topaz 14K yellow gold (tested) ring, late Georgian, early Victorian antique circa 1830-40 with the topaz set in a multi rounded prong mount. The topaz is as follows: Shape and Cut: Oval mixed Cut, approximate measurement 15.5 x12.2 x 7.9 mm for an approximate weight (measured in the mount by leverage gauge and calculated) 11.10 ct.. Proportions: Total Depth: 64.7%. Table: 58.1% Girdle: n/a. Culet: Medium, Finish: Polish: Fair, abraded facets Symmetry, Good, Clarity Grade: VS Type I, Color Grade: Medium dark, strong, orange, with 20% extinction. The inside shank is engraved in script "<I>Sam Houston to Marga…L (?)…</B></I>" due to heavy wear it is not possible to determine the final lettering of the engraving. The engraving appears to be contemporaneous with the age of the ring as it shows similar wear to the engraved design on the outer portion of the ring. The ring is handmade and in good condition, with engraving that has been worn off the prongs; the ring is one prong deficient. The basket has a triangular open gallery with wheat type design on each of the closed triangle of the basket. The shoulders have a similar design that is more of a chevron going half way down the shank. The remainder of the shank is smooth. The shank measures 5 mm wide with an all-bright polish and is a size 5." - A. A. Benjamin, LTD.<BR><BR> William H. Morrow was born in Snyder, Texas in 1909. As a young boy, growing up in Scurry and Gaines counties, he saw the last of the "Old West" passing away. These memories, along with a course he took, taught by Frank Dobie at the University of Texas at Austin in 1929, called "Life and Literature of the Southwest," sparked an interest in Texana collecting that lasted a lifetime. He was an avid reader and his passion was Texas history. He and his wife, Dora, retired to Austin in 1975, as time passed he began donating much of his library to the University of Texas.<BR><BR> Bill and Dora Morrow's daughter Dana, an only child, was also the recipient of many gifts relating to Texas History. One of these items was a ring that she remembers her mother wearing on special occasions. It had a gold band with an oval topaz stone and on the inside of the band were engraved these words, "<I>Sam Houston to Margaret Lea</B></I>." The ring was loved and worn. In 1977 the ring was given to Dana following the birth of her first child, and after her father and mother died in 2002 and 2001 respectively, Dana wasn't surprised to discover that her father had given the ring to her mother on her mother's birthday, November 16, 1946, the year Dana was born. It had been purchased from Turk's Gift and Antique Shop at 417 Main Street in Houston on August 8, 1946. According to Bill, the ring was part of a Sam Houston memorabilia collection offered for sale by the shop. The ring was too large for Dana to wear, so it was put in a bank box for safe keeping. Imagine the occasion that Sam Houston had for giving this little gem to his wife. Was it in celebration for the birth of their first child, or maybe a birthday surprise? The world was lit by fire in those days. This ring puts out a beautiful glow in candlelight!" - Dana Butler <I>Courtesy of Denwood & Dana Butler, Mason.</B></I> Consigned Lot <BR><BR><b>This 2006 March Texas State Historical Association Charity Auction is being held in Austin, TX on February 12 - March 4, 2006. This is a charity auction. All proceeds from donated lots in the auction, commissions from consigned lots, and the buyer's premium go solely to the Texas State Historical Association. The floor auction session is by invitation only. Online bidding ends March 3, 2006 at 10:00PM CT. Your secret maximum bid will compete for you during the floor auction, and it is possible that you may be outbid on the floor after internet bidding closes. The applicable buyer's premium for this auction is an amount equal to 15% (minimum $9 per lot) of the successful bid on ebay. State law requires lots consigned (not donated) to THSA collect full sales tax on items that sell for a total of $5,000 or more. </b>
<BR><b>Important Information Notice</b> Texas State Historical Association 'TSHA' presents this Charity Auction in cooperation with Heritage Auctions, Inc. that has provided its production facilities, personnel, and internet, fax, and phone bidding services to support the auction. The auction is conducted under Heritage's standard auction terms and conditions printed in this catalog; however, TSHA is included within the definition of 'Auctioneer,' and the buyer's premium is 15% on ebay, and all items are sold 'AS IS' and without return. This catalog is available for view and bidding on the Heritage website. Heritage disclaims any liability for any act or omission pertaining to its provided services. Successful bidders shall pay Sales Tax on consigned lots of $5000 or more. Consigned lots may be designated in the catalog.