Firebacks

Description: Rectangular shape; ovolo edging (top and sides); top centre, date between two fleurs-de-lys; below, initials spaced apart.

Notes: A small fireback, probably for an upstairs fireplace. Formerly at Cothay Manor, Wellington, Somerset. Auction: Duke's, Dorchester, 7 Sep 2018 lot 585 (£360).

Inscription: 1626 / N M

Description: Arched rectangular shape; cavetto-moulded edging (top and sides); English Stuart Royal arms, garter, supporters, crown and motto; altered date above crown.

Notes: This design, which probably dates from 1619, has been used to cast composite firebacks with a variety of altered dates ranging from 1629 to 1662.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: 1639 [illegible Garter and royal mottoes]

Arms: English Stuart royal

Description: Arched rectangular shaped central panel with bead edging on a wide fillet; two-handled vase with assorted flowers on a stand with scrolled legs; a plant pot on each side; arched rectangular shaped border with fillet edging, symmetrical floral fronds descending from a rose, top centre, with a looped 'W' in each shoulder; inscription at base; on top, symmetrical scrolled plant tendrils.

Notes: The second largest of six flower vase designs in this series; a recast plate. All incorporate the looped 'W' motif which may be intended to identify the pattern maker. The inscription translates as 'God is our strength'.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: 17 DVW Ydyw Ein Cadernid 24

Description: Arched rectangular shaped central panel, bead edging, bust of female figure with long hair and eastern crown decorated with flowers; arched rectangular shaped border with fillet edging; leafed, Corinthian column on each side with symmetrical swirls of foliage above and a row of acanthus leaves below.

Notes: The figure is that of the Virgin, part of the arms and crest of the Mercers’ Company: Issuant from a Bank of clouds a Figure of the Virgin couped at the shoulders proper, vested in a crimson robe adorned with gold, the neck encircled by a jewelled necklace, crined Or and wreathed about the temples with a chaplet of Roses alternately Argent and of the first, and crowned with a Celestial Crown. The arms were first recorded in 1568. One of a small series of firebacks with similar proportions and detail.

Copies of this fireback are known.