Hi Mo What an interesting story. Sounds to me as if this was a mourning brooch (locket?) and sometimes people collect these or maybe it just caught your mum's eye and she bought it from somewhere. I can see how you would be puzzled by it though, and who knows there may be some family connection and yes there were McCURDEY's living around Merseyside (also in lots of other areas of the UK and also Ireland & Scotland) I've found bits like that and tried to find out the history of who owned it, it is hard Good luck, hope you find some answers or some McCURDEY researchers who have this lady in their family history. Had a quick look on the Liverpool & SW Lancs Members interest directory, could not see anyone else researching that name Caryl LO In a message dated 10/05/2005 19:14:29 GMT Standard Time, mrsrallsorts@f2s.com writes: Hi all, I am new to this list although I have subscribed to the Cheshire list for some time. A few months ago as I was clearing my mum's house, I came across a piece of jewellery and it has me puzzled. The jewellery has inscribed on it - "Helen McCurdy, Died Sept 4th 1818 - The Maid is not Dead but Sleepeth". Now I have been trying to find out who this Helen McCurdy was and why my mum would have had this piece of jewellery. Several contacts have told me that there were McCurdy's around Merseyside. As my dad and his ancestors all came from Cheshire, I wonder if Helen McCurdy was perhaps something to do with his family. Have any of you come across a Helen McCurdy in your research that would fit the bill? Any help really appreciated as this is bugging me. Thanks Mo