The dolphin crest together with the cypher 'W C' would appear to be that of William Courtenay (d.1835) of Powderham Castle. Courtenay's intimate relationship with the famous antiquarian William Beckford was the cause of a scandal leading to the temporary exile of Beckford to France. In 1794-1796, Courtenay employed Beckford's architect at Fonthill, James Wyatt to create a Music Room at Powderham Castle in a grand neo-classical style. The furnishings incorporated the family's dolphin crest throughout the interior and included a magnificent suite of giltwood seat furniture carved with dolphin supports and attributed to Marsh and Tatham. The suite was sold by Christie's London, 5 July 1990, lots 50-51, and 5 December 1991, lots 222-223.