Description
the central plaque of rectangular outline, the glazed panel with inlaid plaited hair and banded black enamel border, with engraved inscription to the rear reading ' James Drummond, Early of Perth, 1746', the shoulders with open twisted wirework detail to a reeded shank, unmarked
Dimensions
ring size, O, plaque: 20mm x 15mm
Footnote
Provenance:
Family collection, Viscount Strathallan, Stobhall Castle
Private Collection
Note:
An important aspect of the Jacobite Rebellions was due to the success of the loyalty of clans to the Stuart attempt at the British throne; landed families used their ability to raise their own armies including voluntary fencibles.
Perthshire itself played an important geographical role, as a link between the highlands and the lowland and was the traditional seat of Kings and Queens at Scone palace. The Stuart dynasty emphasised their link to Robert the Bruce, and thus the claimant to the succession.
The background of the Jacobite rebellions meant that families risked their hereditary lands and titles to ensure the success of re-instating the Stuart line to the thrones of England and Scotland.
In the case of James Drummond (1648 -1716), the first Duke of Perth, the 4th Earl and the 7th Lord Drummond, he was attainted for supporting the Jacobite cause during the rising of 1715. He was succeeded by James Drummond (1674 - 1720), who maintained the titles under the peerage of Scotland. In reality these titles were only acknowledged by supporters of the Jacobite cause or those adverse to the protestant royal dynasty.
Consequently the owner of this ring was the self-styled 6th Earl and third duke of Perth. As soon as Prince Charles Edward arrived in Scotland in July 1745 Perth declared his allegiance. Awarded lieutenant-general of the highland army, Perth participated in the successful battle of Prestonpans. However as the tide turned in Inverness-shire Perth fled the battle of Culloden and was taken aboard the French frigate ship La Bellone, which had arrived with supplies for the highland forces. Worn out by the campaign he died at sea on 13 May of that year.
The battle of Culloden not only ended the Jacobite attempts for the British throne, it can also be claimed that it ended a history of clanship and narrowed the divide between the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. Personal effects of individuals offer an insight into this period highlighting sentiments. Momento mori rings provide reliable dates and the inscription on the inside of this ring reads 'James Drummond, Earl of Perth, 1746'. The inclusion of a lock of plaited hair reflects societal fashions and the ring offers a tangible link to the succession throughout the Drummond family and their titles. The attainder was eventually removed in the mid-nineteenth century although estates had been returned in the late 18th century.