Ring linked to Declaration of Independence sells quickly

The 18th-century ring with ties to the family of Thomas Lynch Jr., a Lowcountry native and signer of the Declaration of Independence, sold within two hours after the Charleston International Antiques show opened.

An out-of-town buyer purchased the ring for an undisclosed amount. Some people at the show said at one point the bidding was up to nearly $20,000 and may have surpassed that price.

The buyer wants to remain anonymous and did not reveal the purchase price.

He said Friday that he had taken the ring to Hopsewee Plantation, the Lynch family home on the Santee River, and planned to leave it in South Carolina.

"I'm very optimistic it will remain in the Lowcountry, within the public realm," said Leigh Handal, director of communications and public programs at Historic Charleston Foundation.

The mourning ring will remain on display at the Antiques Show, at 40 East Bay St., through Sunday.

Read more in Saturday's edition of The Post and Courier.