Rememberance Ring Recalls 19th Century Afghan Campaign

PRLog (Press Release) – Feb 18, 2008 – The ring which dates back to 1885 was created in memory of Lt Col James Galbraith, who was killed in the British Army’s Afghan campaign in 1880, and is estimated at £900 to £1,000.

It is an 18ct gold memorial ring with red and white paste and a black enamel Maltese cross decoration, engraved with ‘Remembrance’ on the back of the shank and inside with the words ‘Writ by a friend and with his blood, James Galbraith Lieut Col Com 66 Reg, obt 27 July 1880’.

Lt Col Galbraith was part of the 66th Regiment and died in battle at Maiwand during the Afghan campaign. He was from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland and served with the regiment from 1851 having trained at Sandhurst. Prior to the Afghan campaign (1878-1880) he also served in Canada and East India.

Stephen Whittaker, managing partner at Fellows & Sons, said: “This is a beautiful item and a fine example of a Victorian memorial ring, so we are expecting a great deal of interest at the auction.

“Given the recent conflict in Afghanistan the story behind this ring has contemporary relevance, although there were significantly different reasons for that campaign and the nature of warfare has changed considerably since then.”

The Afghan campaign (1878-1880) was part of British attempts to safeguard their Indian empire against attacks from Russia.

The ring will be auctioned at a Costume & Silver Jewellery sale at Fellows & Sons on Monday 3 March. It can be viewed at: http://www.fellows.co.uk/ShowLot.asp?sLotNumber=458&sAuc ...=

Ends

Viewing times for the sale are:
26 February, 10am to 4pm
27 February, 10am to 6:30pm
29 February, 10am to 4pm
3 March, 8:30am to 10:30am

For further information contact Mary Long at Fellows & Sons, tel: 0121 212 2131.