Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, monolithic sealing ring is provided for a stuffing box of a high temperature, high pressure valve or pump. In this ring, the components are pre-united by axially squeezing together originally separate center and end rings in a die assembly of a hydraulic press. By preference, the two axially extreme portions of the monolithic ring are made of braided graphite and the axially central portion of the monolithic ring is made from spirally-wrapped foamed flexible graphite tape which, in the course of die-foaming the monolithic ring, is axially compressed thereby densifying it and mechanically bonding it with the end rings. The monolithic ring is easily installed in a stuffing box in one piece.