A George III Warwick vase tureen and cover
Benjamin Smith II & Benjamin Smith Jnr III, London 1817-18
£31,250
Auction: 23 November 2008 at 15:00 GMT
Description
the twin-handled vase of shallow kantharos form on a short circular stem onto a spreading square base, the body chased with a calyx of acanthus banding to the lower half and with typical masks, lion pelts, clubs and spears, the handles formed as intertwined vine leaves, the domed cover with engraved armorial, oak leaf and acorn border, rising platform with a well cast figure of a lion (finial part marked for Benjamin Smith)
Overall height 42cm, combined weight 242oz
Footnote
Heraldry:
Engraved with the shield of the Lancashire family of PEEL, baronets and textile manufacturing pioneers. The cast finial of the cover takes the form of the family crest: a demi-lion holding a shuttle.
The statesman Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850) was undoubtedly the most distinguished member of this family. Entering parliament in 1809, Peel twice served as Prime Minister and among other revolutionary measures restricted the employment of women and children in factories and mines.