M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE  ARTS

 

www.mfordcreech.com

 

ANTICIPATION : THE CELEBRATION

 


 

                                                                           

 

Already in anticipation, we already gather in celebration - from near and far  - as friends and family.

Christmas season gatherings always seem to embody a special spirit - 

going beyond nationality and particular faith :

one of kindness, warmth and welcome.

 

These gatherings have long centered about the best of food and "fermented" spirits,

which themselves have become symbols of the Christmas celebration -

 as well as their very special seasonal presentation.

 


 

THE SPIRITS :

 

Fermented spirits have been part of celebrations since about 7000 BC.

Even prehistoric pottery shards show fermented spirits for "ritual" use.

Remember the First Miracle at Cana.

Throughout all history, both spirits and their presentation have held places of honor -

in ceramics, wood, glass and fine metals.

 


  

        


 

It was not until c1770 AD that the elegant "stoppered" glass decanter was introduced -

the decanting ensuring that a clear liquid, without sediment, could be served at the table. 

This  highly reflective glass,  filled with the rich color of wine (or juices if you prefer)

  and fitted with the proper "decanter jewelry" -

further transforms both the presentation and enjoyment. 

 

      

Good Pair of George III 3-Ring Cut Glass Decanters

England or Ireland, c1800-1810

Of "Prussian" shape, with three annulated rings above a diamond prism cutting

and two bands of fine vertical fluting; original cut bull's eye stoppers

 


The Accoutrements :


 

                                             

George III & George V Silver-
Mounted Bottle Corks

The first with shell & gadrooning, inscribed CLARET; the second with simple round finger-ring pull;
each marked 

Good Pair of Old Sheffield Plate Wine Coasters

Matthew Boulton Co., Birmingham, c1815

Of large size and heavy weight,

marked with the double sunburst,

and initialed D to the button;

might hold a magnum!

George IV Silver 2-Part

Wine Funnel

Matthew Boulton,

Birmingham, 1824

Of heavy gauge, crested with

a cat rampant gardant

                                    


 

The Tastevin (Wine Taster) :

Wine tasters date to the 14th century, most being from France.

 Each accommodates only a small amount of wine,

and must reflect enough light to truly judge the color of the wine.

Many have embossing to the metals, the most usual being

 rays (ojoohons) to reflect light through the white wines,

and cuplets (cupules) to deepen the red hues.

 

      

Louis XV / XVI Provincial Silver Tastevin

Mid 18th century

Heavy gauge, twisted serpent handle,

engraved  I . GREGOIRE (Gregory)

Marked verso for Antoine II Parrel

South American Silver Tastevin

 Probably Brazil 19th Century,

The deep ovoid silver bowl and suspended by two joined sea serpent loops;

 Crown over ?, and another rubbed mark

First Standard French Silver Tastevin (Wine Taster),19th Century
With traditional ojoohons, & cupules Minerva 1st Standard;
possibly Alfred Feau (Paris 1875-1913)

        


 

The Glass : 

The wine glass itself further adds to the sensual nature of the event,

particularly when it brings history with it.

These typical mid-18th century drawn funnel glasses

 are quite large, heavy, sturdy, and suitable for today's table use.

They are also readily available, in case of breakage - or extra guests. 

 

 

Nine Plain Stem Drawn Trumpet Bowl Georgian Wine Glasses

England, c1750-65

(priced individually)

 


The Silver Tumbler :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William & Mary Silver Tumbler Cup, London 1692

Of quite large size,

IC in a shaped punch, a mullet below;

Bearing arms for the family of Rogers (Rodgers, Roger)

Tumblers date from the 17th century, designed so that the above spillage would

not occur when a pretty face momentarily distracted a gentleman.  

Its heavier base would cause the cup

to right itself, thus preserving both

his drink - and dignity.

Early George III Silver Tumbler

Caldecott, London, 1764

Of quite heavy gauge silver

 with good crisp marks;

Gilded to the interior and

without monogram or removal

 


 

And The Beaker :

Beakers date to the earliest times in pottery.

There was even a western European Neolithic culture named "Beaker Folk".

The cylindrical vessels arrived in Britain about 2500 BC.

Some excavated early pottery beakers contained "meadowsweet pollen" -

still used today to flavor beer and the drink "mead".

Although small silver beakers were commonly used in England from c1560-1685,

late 17th century glass production overshadowed the British silver beaker,

 reducing its occurrence thereafter. 

We are quite pleased to offer the Queen Anne example below left (1702), 

and this quite desirable pair (1783).

           

         

Queen Anne Britannia Silver Beaker

William Gibson, London, 1702

Good marks along the upper rim

 

Pair of George III Silver Beakers

John Lambe, London, 1783

Crested with a mermaid holding a dagger

 


Some Stands for Your Spirits :


 

 

George III Brass-Bound Cuban Mahogany Cellaret

on Stand, England, c1765

Good Regency Rosewood Stand

England, c1815


THE TABLE :


 

                       


The Ceramics :


 

Set of 6 Chinese Export Mandarin Dinner Plates, c1760

Finely painted with a mandarin scene, within a grisaille and iron red cell diapered rim;

This type of border does not post-date 1760.

These would make excellent "service plat

SOLD


 

         

Qianlong Chinese Export Gilt-Petaled and Famille Rose Punch Bowl

China, c1765-70, 12" Diameter

Of additional interest to 18th century British porcelain collectors,

influencing Worcester Lowestoft and Chamberlains copies from c1760-1790

 


The Silver :


 

        

Set 4 George III Old Sheffield Plate Candlesticks, c1815

England, c1815

Each 10" High (and quite reasonably priced)

For additional candlesticks and candelabra, please click here

 


 

                                                 

George III Silver Adjustable Dish Cross

George Aldridge & Henry Green, London, 1773

With original adjustable legs and burner; each piece marked

 


 

 

George III Old Sheffield Plate Meat Dish

Matthew Boulton, Birmingham, c1810-15,

Bearing the Double Sun with Face mark

 


 

The Argyle :

An argyle is a wonderful alternative to the sauceboat. 

It was designed by the Duke of Argyll (Scotland) to keep gravies warm

though use of an exterior hot water jacket (or interior cylinder). 

The best juices pour from the bottom, whilst the fattening part rises to the top -

thereby saving probably 100 calories per serving!

       

      

George III Matthew Boulton Old Sheffield Plate Argyle

Birmingham, England, c1810

 With conjoined script initials G aR;

the verso with double sun mark

Early George III Silver Argyle

London, 1768

TJ in an oval punch (Grimwade #3841)

Engraved with a Viscount's Coronet Above a Script T

 


The Service :


 

George II Silver Hash Spoon, William Soame

London, 1735

The terminal engraved with the initials GFA, 14.5"

 

George III Silver Large Basting Spoon

Richard Crossley, London, 1806

Crested for the family of Ormesby (Ormsby)

      


 

      

Georgian Silver Meat Skewers

(each linked separately)
  Silver meat skewers usually date between 1780 and 1840. 
Of late, they have come much into fashion, both for collectors and for use at the table. 
After removing the aluminum or steel cooking skewer,
the silver skewer is inserted to hold the meat together while carving.

 

George IV Silver Meat Skewer, William Chawner, London, 1831

George III Silver-Gilt Meat Skewer, Richard Crossley, London, 1802

George III Silver Meat Skewer, Joseph Barnard, London, 1801


 

 

Pair Edward VII Silver Irish Dish-Ring Form

Napkin Rings, Williams Ltd, Birmingham, 1905

A rare pair of napkin rings in the Irish dish-ring form;

Irish dish-rings (often erroneously called 'potato rings')

were introduced to support hot dishes in the 18th century. 

 


 

 For information please click or inquire :

 

George III Mahogany Two-Pedestal Table

 

Marrow Scoops : MARROW SCOOPS : A Collection from Queen Anne to George III

 

 Queen Anne Britannia Silver Forks - just arrived - please inquire

 

 


Suggested Stands for Desserts :


 

Good George II Mahogany Basin (Washing) Stand

England, c1750

Although made for a basin,

excellent as a food stand or chairside table

Moreau le Jeune, (1741-1814)

depicts in "Le Souper Fin",

a small dessert stand,

allowing the guests to dine in privacy, without servants

Good George II Mahogany Kettle Stand

England, c1740-5

Of heavy mahogany, without repair;

with original iron spider verso

  


 

The 'Annunciation', the 'Nativity' and the 'Journey of the Magi' have inspired

some of the most extraordinary art in the history of mankind.

From the more stoic medieval art to the full blown renaissance, the examples are rich and myriad. 

We have chosen three works to illustrate this celebrative Christmas season.

Each is remarkable in its own way.

 

  

Depicted above is the Late Renaissance oil on canvas, "Adoration of the Magi",

 from the ceiling of the Chapel of the Rosary, Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo, Venice.

It was painted in 1582 by the leading Venetian painter of ceilings, Paolo Veronese,

expressing within a quatrefoil a joyfully unrestrained and celebrative 'Nativity'.

 

 To view larger representations and a few details on this painting and its ceiling setting,

 please click here or on the image above.

 


 

And the best of Christmas and holiday wishes to you, 

 

Millicent Creech

Caroline Harrison Kelly

Keith Rainer

 


 

Please click below for our firs two Christmas Catalog :

Anticipation : Advent / Preparation

 

Anticipation : The Gift

 


 

 

901-761-1163 (gallery) / 901-827-4668 (cell)

 

581 S. PERKINS ROAD / LAURELWOOD COLLECTION / MEMPHIS, TN 38117

Hours : Wed.-Sat. 11-6, or by appointment

Complimentary Gift Wrapping

 

mfcreech@bellsouth.net  or  mfordcreech@gmail.com

www.mfordcreech.com

 

To receive our periodic email catalogs, please click here

 

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They appear here for your enjoyment only.

Please do not reproduce without specific written permission.

   

 

Anticipation : The Celebration - Sprits, and the Table