A unique gold memorial ring containing a lock of Admiral Lord Nelson's hair that was given to one of his most trusted officers has emerged for sale in Dorset for £10,000.

After Nelson's death at Trafalgar in 1805, 58 enamelled rings were commissioned and given to family, friends and every admiral and post-captain who fought at the historic battle.

But the ring coming up for sale at Duke's Auctioneers was a one off. 

It was made for Admiral Sir Benjamin Hallowell Carew, the only American-born member of Nelson's so-called 'Band of Brothers'.

The design differs significantly to the other 57, which is believed to be down to the esteem Nelson's family held Hallowell.

The solid gold ring is carved with seashells, feathery leaves and fronds, which almost certainly represents seaweed.
In the centre there is a glazed panel containing a woven lock of Nelson's hair.

Its whereabouts have been unknown since it was displayed at the Chelsea Royal Naval Exhibition in May 1891.
Since then it is thought to have been in a family collection for many years, and it remains in pristine condition.

Hallowell was reported to have been a giant of a man and immensely strong. 

In 1798 he sent Nelson a coffin made of wood and iron from the main mast of 'L'Orient', a French flagship destroyed in the Battle of the Nile.

The coffin was sent to Nelson with a note which said: 'Sir, I have taken the liberty of presenting you a coffin made from the main-mast of L'Orient.

'When you have finished your military career in this world you may be buried in one of your trophies."

Nelson is said to have kept the macabre gift propped against the wall of his cabin on HMS Victory. 

After he was killed by a French sniper at Trafalgar he was buried in it.

Guy Schwinge, of Duke's Auctioneers, said: "This was quite clearly a one-off commission for a person the family considered to be of particular importance to Nelson.

"It represents an exciting rediscovery given that it was last exhibited at the Chelsea Royal Naval Exhibition in May 1891.

"Then it was described as a 'Ring, with Nelson's hair, formerly belonging to Mr Benjamin H. Carew'.

"It is arguably the most important piece of Nelson memorabilia to come up for sale in recent years. He is universally regarded as our greatest naval hero and the unique nature of this ring makes it clear that the family held Hallowell in the highest regard.

"It's a unique piece of history that has already created great interest and we expect it to sell for up to £10,000 when it goes under the hammer."

The sale takes place on December 7.