James William BENSON (insc.1847) - Lot 197

James William BENSON (insc.1847) Garter ring set with a line of three round-cut rubies alternating with two pairs of old-cut brilliants on a scrollwork gallery, set in yellow gold. Work circa 1900. Birmingham city and jeweler's hallmark, numbered "175". Gross weight: 4.3 g - TD: 55.5 Our model corresponds to the one featured in an advertisement entitled "Benson's engagement rings" published in the Illustrated London News in 1897. Initially recognized as the official watchmaker to the Admiralty and the War Office, the company founded by James William Benson (1826-1878) and taken over by his two sons Alfred and Arthur, also produced numerous pieces of jewelry, and counted among its clientele Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales, the Tsar of Russia and the King of Siam.