CHARLES MARION RUSSELL (American 1864-1926). Nancy Cooper Russell's Wedding Ring, circa 1896. 24K Gold. Approximately ri...

Description

CHARLES MARION RUSSELL (American 1864-1926)
Nancy Cooper Russell's Wedding Ring, circa 1896
24K Gold
Approximately ring size 6

Provenance:
Jack Russell, gifted by Charles Russell in 1925;
Mrs. Jack Russell, Jack Russell's wife;
Bill Reynolds, 1970

Designed by Charles Russell and cast from a gold nugget, this distinctively Western piece of jewelry was made as a wedding ring for his wife Nancy Cooper. Cast in the shape of a western saddle, the ring is likely one of the first three-dimensional sculptural works ever produced by the artist, and therefore possibly instrumental in his introduction to the sculptural medium. Spurred by Nancy's devoted support and promotion, in 1898, just two years after their marriage, Russell cast his first bronze at the Roman Bronze Works in New York, a move that would lead Russell to become one of the greatest Western artists in history.

The ring is accompanied by a signed affidavit by Charles Russell's son, Jack Russell. The illustrated affidavit is photocopied, however the date and original final signature are in Jack Russell's hand, in black ink. The ring is mounted in a custom-made leather clamshell case. The text of the affidavit reads in full

Dear Reader,

My father Charles M. Russell met my mother Nancy Cooper in Cascade Montana. She was living with the Roberts family. After a courtship Charlie proposed to Nancy, and to his surprize (sic) and relief she accepted. Charlie had little money, but much imagination, he took to her a ring duplicating his stock saddle. They were married at the Roberts home, in a small private ceremony. I was just a kid when Dad died. I'll never forget when Dad gave me the saddle ring. Charlie had a small shack or bunkhouse out back, which he used as a studio. This is where I believe the Russell saddle ring was made by my father. I do remember this much...the ring was made out of wax and cast into gold. The ring was an engagement or wedding gift. Jack Russell was given the ring in the Great Falls home by Mr. Russell in 1925. The above statements are true, and as I remember them.

This is (how) I remember it. Jack Russell. 9-8-94 Jack Russell.

More information about CHARLES MARION RUSSELL. See also: Russell, Charles Marion, Charles Marion Russell, Russell, Charles Artist.

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