Lot 17. An old-cut diamond, gold and silver, ring size 7 ¼, circa 1760. Estimate USD 120,000 - USD 180,000. Price realised USD 237,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019
Provenance: By repute, Major Rasfur Lee Knox of Sligo.
Note: Major Rasfur Lee Knox of Sligo (also known as Randfurlie Knox of Sligo) was born in Sligo, Ireland to a military family related to the prominent Knoxes of Prehen. Knox entered the Royal Military college of Woolwich at sixteen years old. In 1753 he enlisted in the British East India company as an Ensign and quickly rose through the ranks of the Madras Army. He commanded Bengal, European, and Sepoy Battalions. After the successful siege of Patna, he gained the title Lieutenant Colonel but died before he could assume his command at the age of thirty-four. He is buried in a tomb on the banks of the Ganges at Patna, which bears the inscription, “the earthly remains of the truly gallant Major Randfurlie Knox.”
Christie's. Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence, New York, 19 June 2019
