Lost Owl "Time & Death" Signet Ring
This Lost Owl signet ring is our take on E.J. Sullivan's illustration titled "Time and Death — Tailpiece to Chapter VIII," from the 1898 edition of Thomas Carlyle's 'Sartor Resartus' (1836). The ring itself was made in the 1990s, with an amorphous head that melts down into the shoulders, perfect for the wraparound winged sand timer and skull design. Crafted in 9ct rose gold with London hallmarks. The engraving is done by hand using traditional tool and techniques.
The book is wild, here's a paragraph from Chapter VIII:
"Though, after this "Baphometic Fire-baptism" of his, our Wanderer signifies
that his Unrest was but increased; as, indeed, "Indignation and Defiance,"
especially against things in general, are not the most peaceable inmates;
yet can the Psychologist surmise that it was no longer a quite hopeless
Unrest; that henceforth it had at least a fixed centre to revolve round.
For the fire-baptized soul, long so scathed and thunder-riven, here feels
its own Freedom, which feeling is its Baphometic Baptism: the citadel of
its whole kingdom it has thus gained by assault, and will keep
inexpugnable; outwards from which the remaining dominions, not indeed
without hard battling, will doubtless by degrees be conquered and
pacificated. Under another figure, we might say, if in that great moment,
in the _Rue Saint-Thomas de l'Enfer_, the old inward Satanic School was not
yet thrown out of doors, it received peremptory judicial notice to
quit;--whereby, for the rest, its howl-chantings, Ernulphus-cursings, and
rebellious gnashings of teeth, might, in the mean while, become only the
more tumultuous, and difficult to keep secret."
***
Ring size: N or 6.75 US. Resize for £55.
Head: 14.2mm by 11.0mm
Weight: 4.8 grams
Hallmarks: English, London, 9ct Gold, 1999
Condition: Great vintage condition. Engraving by Lost Owl.
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Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
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US Shipments
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[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 3-6 weeks to shipping times Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
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