Scarf ring depicting former prime minister's horse to be sold
A scarf ring depicting a former prime minister's horse could fetch up to £800 at auction.
The mid-Victorian piece, which was found in a jar of buttons, commemorates Lord Lyon's racing victories.
The racehorse was owned by Richard Sutton and later Archibald Primrose, fifth Earl of Rosebery, who served as prime minister from 1884 to 1885.
The scarf ring displays the horse with one of its former jockeys and was kept in the Dorset village of Bourton.
Under the ownership of Richard Sutton, the stallion won the English triple crown race – after victories in the 1866 Epsom Derby, the Two Thousand Guineas Stakes and the St. Leger Stakes.
In 1876, the horse was sold to the former prime minister for £4,500 and owned Lord Lyon until 1880.
It will be sold at Fellows in Birmingham on November 14, with an estimation of between £600 to £800.
The animal resided in Yorkshire until he was euthanised at age 24 in 1887.
Alex Duffy, jewellery specialist at Fellows auctioneers, said: “We are very excited to offer a special piece of racing history in our November fine auction.
"The provenance really makes this an interesting and stand-out item, with the impressive achievements of the stallion engraved to the reverse.
"Collectors of reverse-carved intaglio will have a rare opportunity to add a unique piece to their collection.”
The doors to the Augusta Street venue will open on November 11 from 11am to 4pm.
It will later open on November 12 and the following day between 10am to 4pm.
And a final viewing is offered on November 14 between 8.30am to 11am, with photo ID required.
