Per Ardua: Moulton College Class Ring 1943

A sweet slice of Ontario history in a petite package. This small signet is a graduate ring from Toronto girls preparatory school Moulton College, class of 1943. The school was established in 1888, when founder Susan Moulton McMaster folded the Ladies' Department of Woodstock College into McMaster University (named for its founding benefactor and her late husband, Senator William McMaster), moved it to Toronto, and renamed it Moulton Ladies' College. By 1910, the name had been shortened to Moulton College, and though by 1916 the founding mother had died, her legacy continued with the school until its closure in 1954.

The gold ring, available to graduating classes from 1926-1954 only, was part of a special use designation featuring Senator McMaster's own personal family crest, a stag running past an oak tree, and below a scrolling banner that reads Per Ardua (through adversity). Crafted by renowned Canadian jewellers Birks-Ellis (now Birks), on one shoulder the initials MM (though for Moulton McMaster or our esteemed alumna, we're not sure), on the other 43.

Good vintage condition with wear in line with age and use, including rubbing and loss of detail to face of ring and patina throughout. Evidence of past resizing.

Details:
• 14k yellow gold, stamped and tested, signed by Canadian firm Birks-Ellis
• Size 4 1/8 and can be resized within reason
• Face of ring measures 11.1mm wide, 11.1mm across, with a rise of 1.9mm; back of band measures 2.7mm wide and 0.7mm thick
• 3.1g