John Wayne's Personal Signet Ring to Be Auctioned by Elmwood's

A Piece of Hollywood History Hits the Auction Block

A significant piece of Hollywood memorabilia—a personal signet ring that once belonged to legendary American actor John Wayne—is set to go under the hammer at Elmwood’s auction house in London. The ring will be featured in the sale titled ‘A Private Collection of Antique, Vintage, and Modern Jewels,’ scheduled for May 13-14.

The auction house described the signet ring as a remarkable and deeply personal item, offering a tangible connection to a true film icon. John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907, was not typically known for ostentatious jewelry. Instead, his chosen pieces were often simple, masculine, and held personal significance. His 14-karat yellow gold signet ring features an oval face engraved with his initials, ‘JW,’ in relief, complemented by a tapered band. It carries a pre-sale estimate of £2,000 to £3,000 (approximately $2,700 to $4,050 or $2,500 to $3,800).

A Look Back at John Wayne's Iconic Career

John Wayne, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Duke,’ became one of cinema’s most enduring figures. His career spanned over five decades, from the 1930s through the 1970s, during which he appeared in more than 170 films. He rose to major stardom with the 1939 film ‘Stagecoach,’ solidifying his persona as a rugged, self-reliant hero embodying the mythology of the American frontier. Wayne is widely recognized for his roles in Westerns and war films, including ‘Red River’ (1948), ‘The Searchers’ (1956), and ‘True Grit’ (1969). His performance in ‘True Grit’ earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1970.

His final role in ‘The Shootist’ (1976) reflected his own life as he portrayed an aging gunfighter facing a terminal illness. Wayne passed away in 1979 at the age of 72. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980 by President Jimmy Carter for his significant contributions to cultural endeavors.

The Journey of the Ring to Auction

The signet ring comes to Elmwood’s auction from the private collection of Daniel Towell, a noted collector and jewelry dealer based in West Yorkshire, England. Towell originally acquired the ring in 1997 from a previous owner who had put it up for auction at Frasers Auctioneers in London. This marks the first time the ring has been available to the public in nearly 30 years.

Sophie Padfield, head of Elmwood’s jewelry department, commented on the significance of the piece: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very personal item once belonging to a true film icon. Pieces of this kind provide collectors with more than just ownership; they create a tangible and deeply personal connection to history and the individuals who shaped it.”

While the ring is not believed to have been worn by Wayne in any of his films, it remains a highly sought-after piece of memorabilia. In contrast to other John Wayne memorabilia, such as his ‘True Grit’ eye patch which sold for $47,000, a cowboy hat for nearly $120,000, or a Colt revolver for $517,500, this signet ring is positioned as a more accessible acquisition for collectors interested in Wayne's personal life.

The auction will be conducted live, with options for online and phone bidding. The ring’s sale offers a unique chance for fans and collectors to own a piece of personal history from one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.