The rectangular serpentine pierced and engraved top depicting a crowned lion, representing England,
to the right, and the unicorn representing Scotland, to the left, the harp in the lower left corner
representing Ireland, all centering a ship's wheel; the field also depicting from left to right :
shamrocks above the harp, a thistle below the unicorn, three Tudor roses surrounding the lion,
and in the lower right corner, a lute; all amongst c- and s-scrolls and within a solid border;
the frontal frieze pierced with a pseudo coat of arms,
sided by scrolling foliage over a brass-fronted plate rack;
the whole raised on three front cabriole legs ending in penny feet,
the three straight back legs of iron.
Ref : An almost identical footman is illustrated in "Domestic Metalwork,1640-1820",
Gentle & Feild, p.352,Trivets and Footmen', Pl. 4,
with only a differing pseudo coat of arms from the collection of Colonial Williamsburg.
The text suggests use of the heraldic lion, unicorn and harp indicate that the footman
was made for a government official or courthouse.
Condition : Excellent; wear appropriate to age and use;
minor old repair to one foot; several separations to piercing in seat
17" High x 24" Long x 10" Deep, The Seat, 1.5" Deep Over Knees
SOLD
#8076
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