University,
who pronounces it to be a Sassanian gem, and hence not older than the
third Christian century. The other ring, that belonging to Miss
Harrower, appears to be of the Seleucidan period, and may be dated
from 300 to 200 B.C. The inscription, difficult to decipher, should be
read " Khan " in Prof. Jackson's opinion.
One of the most intrinsically valuable of ancient signets is that engraved for Constantius II (317-361 a.D.). This
is of sapphire, the stone weighing 53 of the older carats (54.40 metric
carats). The design shows the emperor in the act of spearing an
enormous wild boar on the plains of Caesarea, the Greek inscription wiphius denoting
the sword-like tusks of the animal. The exploit is performed before a
reclining female figure, a personification of the city Cœsarea of
Cappa-docia. A Latin inscription CONSTANTIUS. Aug is
considered to prove that this is veritably the emperor's signet. This
remarkable gem is in the collection of Prince Trivulzio of Milan.87
A
novel idea finds expression in the ring of President Wilson, on which
he has had engraved his name in stenographic symbols. This is in
thorough agreement with his aim to utilize business methods in the
administration of national affairs, to do away with routine and take
the most direct route to the solution of national problems. One of our
two ex-Presidents, William H. Taft, sent us this reply: " I never wear
a finger ring and never have done so. For that reason, I cannot comply
with your request."88
87 C.
W. King, " The Natural History of Precious Stones," London, 1870, p.
254; Duffield Osborne, "Engraved Gems," New York, 1912, p.293. First
published by Ducange, in the seventeenth century.
88 From letters of Ex-President Tait and of Prìvate Secretary Tumulty to the author,
SS
