MARK OF REBECCA EMES AND EDWARD BARNARD, LONDON, 1824

Details

A large George IV silver-gilt tankard
Mark of Rebecca Emes and Edward Barnard, London, 1824
Slightly tapering cylindrical on slightly domed foot, with acanthus borders, chased overall with a hunting scene of mounted men and hounds attacking a wild boar within a wood, the vine-wrapped reeded scroll handle with acanthus and boar's mask terminals, the hinged cover with detachable putto, vine and goat finial and bifurcated scroll thumbpiece, engraved with a presentation inscription, marked on base and cover
13in. (33cm.) high
112oz. (3,486gr.)
The inscription on the cover reads, 'PRESENTED BY SOME OF THE OFFICERS OF THE 87TH ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS'. The inscription on the foot reads 'WON BY'.

Provenance

Anonymous sale; Christie's, London, 3 March 1976, lot 60

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium

Lot Essay

The Royal Irish Fusiliers were formed in September, 1793 as part of an expansion of the English Army due to the threat of an imminent French invasion. The 87th Regiment of Foot were raised in Dublin after capturing the Eagle Standard of the 8th French Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Borrosa in March 1811, and were granted the title 'The Prince of Wales' Own Regiment'. Their title changed to the Royal Irish Fusiliers in November of 1827; presumably this tankard, made in 1824, was acquired for use by the regiment after this date as it is inscribed with that name. In 1881 they were amalgamated with The 89th to become The Princess Victoria's Irish Fusiliers. On vesting day, the 1st July 1968, The Royal Irish Rangers were formed of three Irish Regiments, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, The Royal Ulster Rifles and The Royal Irish Fusiliers. Between them, these three regiments were awarded seventeen Victoria Crosses. In 1992, amalgamation of the Royal Irish Rangers with The Ulster Defence Regiment formed the Royal Irish Regiment.

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