Lot Essay
Other plates from this service were sold Christie's New York, 11 April 1995, lots 294-7 and 17 October 1996, lots 261-2.
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MAKER'S MARK WB, POSSIBLY FOR WILLIAM BENNETT, LONDON, 1814
Details
A SET OF TWELVE GEORGE III SILVER DINNER PLATES
MAKER'S MARK WB, POSSIBLY FOR WILLIAM BENNETT, LONDON, 1814
Each of shaped circular section with a gadrooned border, heightened by alternating shell and leaf and palmette motifs, engraved with a coat-of-arms and a crest below a coronet - 10 5/8in. (27cm.) diameter, 301oz.
The arms are those of Onslow as borne by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Onslow, born in 1754, who succeeded to the Earldom in 1814. Universally known as Tom Onslow, he was a well-known eccentric. A contemporary described him thus: "He possessed an infinity of wit if it had not too frequently degenerated into buffoonery." He appears to have cared little for politics but devoted much of his life to driving. Even in the great age of gentlemen drivers, his obsession with the sport was thought excessive and his eccentricity was considered too much for him to be elected to the famous Four-in-Hand Club. "His horses were said to be the best in the country. They were coal-black, as was his carriage, and his whole turnout presented a most funereal appearance" (Pamela, Countess of Onslow, "The Family" in Clandon Park, 1983, p.49).
The Prince of Wales was a great friend of the Earl and was a regular visitor to Clandon Park, his house in Surrey which is now the property of the National Trust. In his later years, when too old to drive, it is said that the Earl would sit in one of the upstairs windows of Clandon, hailing passers-by with ribald remarks. He died in 1827. (12)
MAKER'S MARK WB, POSSIBLY FOR WILLIAM BENNETT, LONDON, 1814
Each of shaped circular section with a gadrooned border, heightened by alternating shell and leaf and palmette motifs, engraved with a coat-of-arms and a crest below a coronet - 10 5/8in. (27cm.) diameter, 301oz.
The arms are those of Onslow as borne by Thomas, 2nd Earl of Onslow, born in 1754, who succeeded to the Earldom in 1814. Universally known as Tom Onslow, he was a well-known eccentric. A contemporary described him thus: "He possessed an infinity of wit if it had not too frequently degenerated into buffoonery." He appears to have cared little for politics but devoted much of his life to driving. Even in the great age of gentlemen drivers, his obsession with the sport was thought excessive and his eccentricity was considered too much for him to be elected to the famous Four-in-Hand Club. "His horses were said to be the best in the country. They were coal-black, as was his carriage, and his whole turnout presented a most funereal appearance" (Pamela, Countess of Onslow, "The Family" in Clandon Park, 1983, p.49).
The Prince of Wales was a great friend of the Earl and was a regular visitor to Clandon Park, his house in Surrey which is now the property of the National Trust. In his later years, when too old to drive, it is said that the Earl would sit in one of the upstairs windows of Clandon, hailing passers-by with ribald remarks. He died in 1827. (12)
Special notice
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