Mourning bracelet clasp for John and Lydia Hancock
Stephen Twycross
(1745–1824)
about 1793
Object PlaceLondon, England
Medium/TechniqueGold; watercolor on ivory, hair
DimensionsOverall: 4.8 x 2.7cm (1 7/8 x 1 1/16in.)
Credit LineGift of Mr. Charles H. Wood
Accession number1985.1026
On View
Not on viewClassificationsJewelry / Adornment
DescriptionThis clasp memorialized the deaths of John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his aunt, a mother figure for John, who was orphaned at a young age.
InscriptionsRev: HIS EXELy. I. HANCOCK ESQr: OBt: 8 OCTr. 1793 AEt. 57. / MADm. L. HANCOCK OB. 25 APRIL 1776 AEt: 61ProvenanceAbout 1793, family of John and Lydia Hancock; by 1945, in the collection of William B Wood (1879- 1945/8) of Jamaica Plain, Mass; 1945, bequeathed to Charles H Wood (1913-1993); 1985, gift of Charles H. Wood of Duxbury, Mass. to the MFA (Accession date: December 11, 1985).
