Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- Item 105043
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Description
This signet ring was found on Richmond Island as part of a trove of gold and silver. Walter Bagnall was the first European settler on Richmond Island, near Cape Elizabeth, in 1628. He became wealthy by cheating the Wabanaki, specifically the female leader Warrabitta’s family, at his trading post.
According to Massachusetts Governor Winthrop, "Bagnall...was a wicked fellow, and had much wronged the Indians." The ring is marked "GV" in reverse on front, and the inscription inside reads "United/Death only/partes." The ring was used as a seal and likely was acquired by Bagnall in a trade.
Bagnall had violated his social responsibilities, and as a result, Warrabitta’s brother, Skitterygusset, killed Bagnall in 1631 and burned down the trading post. This act was a redistribution of power and asserted Wabanaki jurisdiction of the area. It is thought that Bagnall hoarded and buried money just before his murder. A trove of coins and a signet ring were discovered on the site in 1855. The number of coins and their international span demonstrates the far reaches of the fur trade in Maine.
About This Item
- Title: Signet ring, Richmond Island, ca. 1580
- Creation Date: circa 1580
- Subject Date: circa 1580
- Location: Richmond Island, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Gold
- Dimensions: 2.2 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.8 cm
- Local Code: 819*
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Colonists--United States--Maine
- Commerce
- Maine--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- Richmond Island (Me.)
- United States--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775
- Wabanaki Indians
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
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