Firebacks

Description: Canted rectangular shape with inclined sides; cavetto-moulded edging (top and sides); horizontal fillet parallel to the top edge divided by two further fillets, in the centre the initials in capitals in triad, and at each end a lion rampant stamp facing inwards and inclined upwards towards the centre; below the lions, two inclined vertical fillets, parallel to the sides of the plate, each enclosing down the sides a double fleur-de-lys stamp and a flowerhead stamp repeated twice on each side and arranged alternately; in the panel below the initials, two different animal figures of indeterminate type, possibly monkeys.

Notes: The rampant lion, double fleur and flowerhead stamps have all been noted on other firebacks in a series identified on most backs with the initials I and B at the base of the plate. The initials are not present on this casting although the inclusion of I and B in the triad at the top could suggest that this fireback was personal to the founder and his wife. Of note are the impressions of the lions which overstamp the fillet below, indicating that they were placed after the fillet. Unlike the other backs in this series this example is undated. Wincanton Auctions, 24 Oct 2024, lot 540 (£35).

Inscription: IBE [triad]