An outstanding Victorian novelty silver and parcel-gilt four piece tea service,
by E.C. Brown, London 1867,
of Timpani or kettle-drum form with grotesque-mask spouts, comprising:- teapot, kettle on stand, sugar bowl and cover and a milk jug with hinged cover, each piece with strapping, simulated hand screws, moulded rim all heightened with gilding, the handles formed as buckled belts, and each piece raised on three lion-mask capped and hairy paw feet; the kettle stand with a draped lion's pelt apron raised on three haunched hairy paw legs, all the covers are applied with detachable finials modelled as cross-over sticks resting a blank music sheet and wreath ground, three of the covers have flush hinges, kettle and teapot with raffia grips, engraved with a coat of arms, height of kettle on stand with handle raised 29cm, length 19cm, weight 96oz. (4)
of Timpani or kettle-drum form with grotesque-mask spouts, comprising:- teapot, kettle on stand, sugar bowl and cover and a milk jug with hinged cover, each piece with strapping, simulated hand screws, moulded rim all heightened with gilding, the handles formed as buckled belts, and each piece raised on three lion-mask capped and hairy paw feet; the kettle stand with a draped lion's pelt apron raised on three haunched hairy paw legs, all the covers are applied with detachable finials modelled as cross-over sticks resting a blank music sheet and wreath ground, three of the covers have flush hinges, kettle and teapot with raffia grips, engraved with a coat of arms, height of kettle on stand with handle raised 29cm, length 19cm, weight 96oz. (4)
Sold for
£25,200
inc. premium
Footnotes
- The arms are those of Sir Archibald Kennedy, 2nd Marquess of Ailsa, born 25th August 1816 at Dunottar, died on 20th March 1870 at the age of 53 at Culzean Castle, from injuries received in the hunting field.
After being educated at Westminster School, Sir Archibald Kennedy embarked on a career in the British Army. In 1833 he gained the rank of Lieutenant in the service of the Rifle Brigade and Captain in 1838 in the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own). His father predeceased him in 1831 and inherited his titles. In 1846, the same year that he married Julia Jephson, he then inherited and succeeded to his grandfather's titles. Kennedy also held Honorary titles, one of these Was Lord Lieutenant 1861 - 1870.
THE KENNEDY CONNECTION
THE KENNEDY FAMILY are one of Scotland's oldest families and trace their ancestry to Robert the Bruce. Culzean Castle was their principal seat from 1759, the castle and its landscapes reflecting their status and aspiration. Over the centuries, the Kennedy's transformed a medieval tower house, built to protect its inhabitants during dangerous times, into one of the grandest country houses in Ayrshire.
As heir, the 4th Marquess had agreed to dissolve the entail on the Culzean and Cassillis estates and turn them into a family business but he knew that it was not a long-term solution. By the time he himself inherited, he was worried about the future of Culzean. He had no children and was convinced that neither he nor his heir, his brother Charles, could afford to run the estate. Although he had no intentions of living at Culzean permanently, he was proud of the connection between Culzean and the Kennedy's and wanted to preserve its history. Accordingly he approached the newly formed National Trust for Scotland to discuss handing over the Castle to the nation. In 1943, before any decision was taken, the 4th Marquess died.
His widow, Lady Frances, and the 5th Marquess reached a final agreement and, in 1945, the Kennedy family formally handed over Culzean Castle, its policies, gardens and Home Farm into the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
The history of Culzean Castle is inextricably linked to the Kennedy family. Their act of generosity has ensured that this remarkable property will be cared for and appreciated by generations to come.
of 13th Earl of Cassillis & 15th Earl of Kennedy.
Category: Decorative Arts / Silver
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