Firebacks

  1. 1240

    hartfield,_chartners_farm.jpg
    1430 x 790 mm

    Description: Rectangular shape; twisted rope edging (top and sides); top centre, crowned shield bearing initials KH above a fleur-de-lys between an angled leopard passant guardant sinister (on the left) and an angled leopard passant (on the right); the group repeated below at a steeper angle; in each top corner, a crowned shield bearing initials KH, above a fleur-de-lys, the left shield over pressed.

    Notes: One of a large series employing distinctive Tudor heraldic stamps. The absence of one of the legs of the leopard passant indicates that this is an example of a later use of the stamp, earlier castings showing the stamp in more complete condition. The only examples of this fireback that have been noted are similarly poor copies lacking definition. Other examples are at Sackville House, East Grinstead and at Nymans, Handcross, both in Sussex.

    Copies of this fireback are known.

    Inscription: KH [x4]

    Manufactured: in the mid to late 16th century in the Weald area of England.

    Current location: in private hands, Hartfield, East Sussex, England.