PAIR OF GEORGE III SCOTTISH SILVER WINE GOBLETS, Alexander Gardner, Edinburgh 1801 ; M. Ford Creech Antiques & Fine Arts, Memphis, TN

PAIR OF GEORGE III SCOTTISH SILVER WINE GOBLETS

Alexander Gardner & Co., Edinburgh, 1801

Of large size and heavy gauge silver, each cup-shaped bowl with gilt interior and engraved with the crest of the head of

a Saracen affronte, couped at the shoulders (Fairbairn’s 190/5) below the motto “Will God I Shall” (Menzies)*,

all within a laurel wreath, surmounting a waisted stem with reeded knop over an octagonal base with reeded edge

*Note :

Menzies is an ancient Scottish name, probably originating in Normandy. As early as 1249, Sir Robert de Menzies became Chamberlain to King Alexander II.

Sir Robert's son, Sir Alexander Menzies, was a supporter during the War of Independence of Robert the Bruce, who declared himself King of Scotland in 1306, after murdering Guardian of Scotland John Comyn. As atonement for the murder, Bruce requested that upon his death, his heart be taken to the Holy Land on pilgrimage. A group of Scottish Crusaders, led by James Douglas (Black Douglas) veered en route through Spain, to assist the Spanish against the Saracens (who had occupied the Holy Land since 1292). A Menzies was a member of that group. Douglas carried Bruce's heart is a black iron casket about his neck.

At the Battle of Teba de Ardales, they found themselves surrounded by Saracens, at which time Douglas cast the casket into the midst of the Saracens,

calling the knights to charge with the cry : "Vil God I Zal" (With Gods will, I shall).

The knights fought off the Saracens and recovered Bruce's heart, which was eventually taken to Melrose Abbey.

The cry became the Menzies motto, the defeated Saracen from whom the heart was taken, the crest.

Condition : Excellent; marks slightly rubbed but clear; wear commensurate with age and usage

8.25” High / 22.6 oz.

SOLD

#6239

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