A solid fourteen carat gold and carnelian graduation ring from the U.S Naval Academy.  This is a stunning, early and very rare piece of American history.  These rings were obtained upon graduation from the Naval Academy in Annapolis.  The class sizes during these early days of academy were very small indeed.  Consisting of little over one hundred graduates, therefore making these rings today almost unique. Let alone in this near perfect condition.  They still exist today for graduates, but changed dramtically since these early examples.  Not another example like this has been found after extensive reseach.

The design features the U.S Naval Academy's coat of arms on one side.  The seal, or coat of arms, of the Naval Academy has for its crest a hand grasping a trident, below which is a shield bearing an ancient galley coming into action, bows on, and below that an open book, indicative of education, and finally bears the motto, "Ex scientia tridens".  On the opposite side of the shank is the American Eagle standing on top of a torpedo with a trident behind it.  Below this exceptional piece of art is 07, for 1907.  The graduating year the ring was obtained.  At the top of the ring is a typical hard stone that was used in signet rings for centuries.  A carnelian, a red in colour stone.  Around the stone the intricate detailing continues with a frame of rope knotted on each side.

On the inside of the shank the name of the graduating recipient is beautifully hand engraved into it, along with "U.S Navy".  This ring was owned by Robert Frank Gross.  Gross boarded U.S.S Tennessee in 1909 as Midshipman, then aboard U.S.S Rowan in 1911 being promoted to Ensign.  He went on to serve aboard U.S.S Truxton in 1913 as Lieutenant, before quickly joining the crew of the U.S.S St. Louis, where he served a number of missions during the First World War.  Post the war he served aboard U.S.S O'Bannon.  Much can be read about the voyages these ships embarked upon, if desired.  But, it is fair to say Lieutenant Gross served a dedicated part of his early life to serving and protecting the country.

The maker of the ring is a very famous and respected silver and goldsmith; the Gorham Manufacturing Co.  Gorham was established in 1831 by Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman, in partnership with Henry L. Webster. The fledgling American silver manufacturing market was boosted in 1842 when Congress enacted a tariff which effectively blocked the importation of silverware from outside the United States. However, the company stuck to mainly making spoons and assorted silverware until Jabez's son, John, took over the company in 1847.

Under his direction the company improved production methods, expanded the range and quality of pieces, and brought in skilled craftsman from throughout Europe. A notable edition was the English silversmith and designer, George Wilkinson. He became the workshop manager.

The company went on the make a silver service for many administrations in the White House. Mary Todd Lincoln's set is now on display in the National Museum of American History. Many other trophies, such as the Indianapolis 500 trophy were produced by Gorham, along with famous statues throughout America, such as the monument of George Washington in the Capitol's Rotunda.

The piece is marked with the makers mark of "Gorham" on the inside edge of the shank, along with "14k" for fourteen carat yellow gold.  The condition of the ring throughout is exceptional.  Usually rings such as this, an as early as this are heavily worn and rubbed and damaged.  However, this is very much not the case, with all of the stunning and intricate detail still very prevalent, crisp and clear.  As mentioned prior, the graduating classes from the Academy at the turn of the 20th Century were very small, so to find these rings, let alone in this condition, is exceptionally rare.  It is a real piece of American, and American Naval history.  

It is a small ring finger size, and it is not recommended that this ring be sized as it will destroy the original detail.  It is a ring finger size three and three quarters.  This ring came directly from the descendants of Mr. Gross.