Description
A fine early 18th century ebony baluster snuff mull
The ebony baluster body with simple girdle to lower section, the rim with applied butterfly hinge to domed ebony cover, the cover centrally set with a carved oval mother of pearl plaque with full armorial
Dimensions
5.5cm high
Footnote
Notes: The Carse of Fordelcarse family had been an important Stuart family within Scotland and Mark Carse Senior had been recorded a supporter of the Stuart line since the mid 17th century, although under the pressure of the Cromwellian advances it is noted by 1662 he apparently had switched sides when he is listed, within the Shire of Edinburgh, in the “Act containing some exceptions from the act of indemnity”.
“But considering that by these troubles and rebellious courses many of his good subjects have been under great sufferings and liable to great loss for their affection and loyalty to his majesty, therefore, in order to their reparation, and for diverse important considerations of state, His Majesty, with advice and consent of his estates of parliament, has thought fit to burden his pardon and indemnity to some (whose guiltiness has rendered them obnoxious to the law and their lives and fortunes at His Majesty's disposal) with the payment of some small sums, and in so far to except them from the benefit of his majesty's pardon and, therefore, the king's majesty, with advice and consent foresaid, has thought fit and, accordingly, does hereby declare, that the persons particularly after-mentioned, each of them for their own parts, are excepted from His Majesty's pardon and indemnity, in so far as may concern the payment of the sums underwritten namely.
Within the shire of Edinburgh: ……. Mark Carse of Cockpen, £6,000”
His son Sir Mark Carse II, was not only a landowning gentleman but a military officer and is recorded;
“Of Cockpenne. Lieut. To the Master of Ross’s Troop 10 Sept 1680. Lieut. To Lord Ross’s Troop in Claverhouse’s Regt., 26 Dec. 1682; Comm. renewed by James VII. in March 1685; serving with the Regt. In England when it was struck off the establishment, Jan 1689. In the Lyon Office Matriculation Register reference is made to “Sir Mark Carse of Fordelcarse.”
Sir Mark Carse married Isobel Nicolson and had at least six children and it is most likely that their son Mark Carse III was the owner of this snuff mull.
Mark Carse III was actively trying to follow in the family line of military career and by all accounts on the side of the Stuart line. As early as 1706 he is seen petitioning the Earl of Marr for a military commission. He was successful in this petition and was captured at Preston in the ’15 as fighting for the rebels and was taken prisoner to London, although no trial or charges appear to have been brought against him.
However, this does appear to be the beginning of the end for Sir Mark and his fortunes take a distinct down turn after the ’15, although he does manage to keep his lands and titles. In 1718 he was still owner and Laird of Cockpen but by the early 1730’s ownership and passed to Archibald Cockburn after various actions by creditors against him.