Rare Australian Gold Signet Ring by John Nemecek

A rare Australian gold signet ring by John Nemecek, Ballarat second half 19th century centred with a shield engraved with lettering 'Advance Ballarat' and a coat of arms for the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat flanked by gold miner supporters, the shoulders deeply chased with scrolls, stamped 'Crown/JN/-' and engraved with script initials 'AW'. 9.2 grams, size 'T, John Nemecek is recorded a number of times at various locations, but curiously with various spellings. He is listed in 1857/8 as a jeweller and watchmaker at Main Road, Ballarat East, 'five doors below the United States Hotel' where he thanks the 'Ladies and Gentlemen of Ballarat and its vicinity, for the kind patronage they have bestowed on me during the last three years...'. He is recorded in the 1857 Huxtable's directory as Nennecke and in the 1862 Birtchnell's directory as 'watchmaker...between United States Hotel and Red Hill Hotel' as Necceck. The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat started in 1867 as a reunion of old miners.