| |
If you are having difficulty receiving this email, please click here
M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS
www.mfordcreech.com
|
|
|
|
|
"God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" is one of the earlier carols, dating to the 16th century,
when it was likely sung in the streets by the night-time wassailers and watchmen.
As 16th century language was quite different, there are interesting divergences about the carol's meaning and intent -
most especially regarding the words rest, and merry.
The word rest, as used, means to keep, to continue - or to rest assured.
However the word merry has variations that range from mighty
(consider 'Robin Hood's Merry Men', and 'Merry Old England', in each case 'mighty' being implied) --
to pleasant, implying a sense of joy.
Similar phrases are found in Shakespeare plays :
As You Like It - "God rest you merry, sir";
The Merchant of Venice - "Rest you fair, good signior"
Romeo and Juliet - "rest you merry".
As well, the comma is placed before "Gentlemen" - not after - again altering the message.
(I am certain no one meant to overlook the ladies and children - hopefully they were safe at home?)
So it seems the carol's original intent was to wish continued assurance of a peaceful and joyful spirit
- despite all darkness, toil, turmoil and uncertainty -
which is exactly what we wish to all of you this Christmas season.
|
|
|
It is often said that "Christmas gifts" take their origin in the gifts of the three Magi,
shown above on a Roman sarcophagus dating from the 4th century.
They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh - each precious, and with varying symbolisms of the day.
Although we have no gold or precious spices, we do have some rather "magical" related treasures -
brought to us from the East just last week - - by DHL.
Perhaps one of these might prove the perfect way to wish someone :
"God rest you merry"!
|
|
EARLY CASTER FOR ALL YOUR RARE SPICES |
|
|
 |
QUEEN ANNE BRITANNIA SILVER 'KITCHEN' CASTER
Charles Adam, London, 1713
Introduced in early 18th century, and so named because of the scroll handle to the side,
which makes the vessel much easier to handle.
Also known as "kitchen peppers", they were used for sugar and precious spices as well.
|
|
THREE 18TH CENTURY SILVER CUPS |
|
|
 |
 |
|
EARLY GEORGE III SILVER TWO-HANDLED CUP
William Cripps, London, 1763,
who apprenticed to Huguenot David Willaume;
Of heavy gauge silver,
in the traditional 17th century manner,
the cartouche with the original owner's initial "M" |
GEORGE II SILVER DOUBLE-CRESTED MUG
Richard Bayley, London, 1747
Of heavy gauge silver, crested :
a hunting horn, stringed (Hunter);
on a sheath of arrows fesswise a hawk close
all proper belled (or) (Kenrick)
|
|
GEORGE III SCOTTISH SILVER GOBLET
William Davie, Edinburgh 1782
(Masonic Interest)
The rim at each side engraved with "two hands clasped" -
a Masonic grip, as opposed to a British crest ; inscribed verso with initials
|
|
RARE & EARLY CANNON-HANDLED SILVER TABLE KNIVES,
used for savoring the feast, rather than swinging in battle |
|
|
 |
SET OF 8 17TH CENTURY SILVER CANNON-HANDLED DINNER KNIVES
Dating from the period of Charles II to William and Mary (1680-1695)
These are excessively rare, and retaining marked Georgian blades.
Each bears the original crest for the family of Sandwith (Yorkshire) :
out of a mural coronet a demi-lion rampant, in dexter a fleur-de-lis
|
 |
SET OF 8 LATE 17TH CENTURY BRITANNIA SILVER CHEESE (DESSERT) KNIVES
England, unmarked
A very rare set, each 8.25 long, as are dessert knives
Cannon-handled knives date to c1680 and were used through the Queen Anne period.
The hafts bear the remains of an early crest appearing as :
a leg in armour couped at the thigh, garnished and spurred, over either initials or a coronet
|
|
AND THREE FINE BOXES
celebrating Liberation, a Royal Couple ... and a man named George |
|
|
 |
 |
|
PAPIER MACHE COMMEMORATIVE SNUFF BOX
France, c1790
Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of Bastille Day
The glass-domed cover
with 3-dimensional figures in papier mache |
MOULDED TORTOISESHELL SNUFF BOX
France, early 18th century
A portrait depicting Louis XIV & Marie-Thérèse
in overlapping profiles below the text :
LOUIS XIV . ET MARIE THERESE |
QUEEN ANNE TORTOISESHELL & SILVER
PIQUE POSE SNUFF BOX
England, c1708
The verso inlaid with the name of the original owner and '1708' in pique pose
|
|
Please click on the above illustrated images, titles, or underlined text
for fully illustrated pages.
"Hovering" your mouse over specific images will also show text for each item.
|
|
The illuminated manuscript above is a leaf from the 15th century "Hours of Etienne Chevalier".
It depicts the Adoration of the Magi, and is considered one of the finest illuminations of its time.
Charles VII of France, as one of the Magi, kneels in the foreground, presenting a gold chalice to the Christ Child.
Both he and his honor guard bear homage. Behind him are two further Magi and St. Joseph.
In the background, a battle takes place - possibly representing not just matters of state, but personal battles as well.
"Hours of Etienne Chevalier" was painted by the preeminent French painter Jean Fouquet,
and commissioned by Chevalier shortly after his appointment as treasurer of France.
The above detached manuscript leaf now resides in the Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.
The earliest text known for "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen" dates c1650.
Untitled, it is noted as "Traditional tune...'Chestnut or (Jack) Doves Figary'" in Dancing Master, 1st edition, 1651.
The text begins :
Sit yow merry Gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
for Jesus Christ is borne
to save or soules from Satan's power
When as we runne away
O tidings of comfort & joy
For a short history of carols (in verse), you can click here - or the first catalog below.
LAURELWOOD CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE :
Sunday, December 20th through Wednesday December 23
Open Christmas Eve 11:00 - 4:00
Finger Food and Silver Fully Vetted!
|
|
|
|
|
|
