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MARK OF FRANCIS HIGGINS, LONDON, 1852
Details
A VICTORIAN SILVER PRESENTATION SPADE
MARK OF FRANCIS HIGGINS, LONDON, 1852
The blade engraved with coat-of-arms between crests within flowing foliate tendrils, with a view of Seaham harbour and presentation inscription, the ivory shaft terminating in a silver handle
38 in. (96.5 cm.) long
Higgins, F.
The arms are those of Vane quartering Stewart accolé with Vane quartering Stewart with Vane in pretence for Charles William Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1778-1854) and his second wife Lady Frances Anne Vane-Tempest, daughter and heiress of Sir Henry Vane-Tempest, who he married in 1819. Lord Londonderry took the surname of Vane, by royal licence, and used his new bride's immense wealth to acquire the Seaham Hall estate in County Durham with a view to developing the coal fields there.
The inscription reads 'This spade / was used by / Charles William Vane / Marquis of Londonderry K.G., G.C.B. / to cut the first sod / of the / Londonderry Seaham / and / Sunderland Railway / on the 8th of February / 1853.'
MARK OF FRANCIS HIGGINS, LONDON, 1852
The blade engraved with coat-of-arms between crests within flowing foliate tendrils, with a view of Seaham harbour and presentation inscription, the ivory shaft terminating in a silver handle
38 in. (96.5 cm.) long
Higgins, F.
The arms are those of Vane quartering Stewart accolé with Vane quartering Stewart with Vane in pretence for Charles William Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1778-1854) and his second wife Lady Frances Anne Vane-Tempest, daughter and heiress of Sir Henry Vane-Tempest, who he married in 1819. Lord Londonderry took the surname of Vane, by royal licence, and used his new bride's immense wealth to acquire the Seaham Hall estate in County Durham with a view to developing the coal fields there.
The inscription reads 'This spade / was used by / Charles William Vane / Marquis of Londonderry K.G., G.C.B. / to cut the first sod / of the / Londonderry Seaham / and / Sunderland Railway / on the 8th of February / 1853.'
Literature
Wynyard Park inventory, 1886, vol. ii, p. 385, monumental room, case no. 12 ‘ very handsome silver & ivory spade with which the first sod of the Londonderry Seaham & Sunderland railway was turned, February 8th 1853’.
Special notice
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
Brought to you by
Katharine Cooke
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