George III Antique Silver Wine Label

GBP 275.00

Object Description

A very decorative antique silver bottle ticket with a silver chain. The elaborate bacchanalian scene portrays two cherubs holding flagons of wine surrounded by grape and vine leaf decoration and a face mask below. Engraved “MADEIRA” to the scroll centre.

Weight 16 grams, less than 1 troy oz.
Measures 6 x 3.6cm.
Birmingham 1818.
Maker Edward Thomason.
Sterling silver.
19th century.

Marks. Fully stamped on the reverse with clear English silver hallmarks.

Maker: Edward Thomason

Sir Edward Thomason, the illustrious Birmingham manufacturer of buttons, jewellery and medals. Apprenticed to Matthew Boulton, he opened his own factory in 1790 in Church Street, Birmingham. In 1793, when his father retired, he took over the business which he extended to make gilt articles, medals and tokens, for which he became famous. He died aged 80 on the 29th May 1849 at his residence in Warwick. He was an eminent medallist and manufacturer of bronzes at Birmingham, and received a knighthood in 1832 for being instrumental in improving the Arts and Manufactures. He also solicited and received ‘honours’ from Prussia, the Netherlands, Spain, Persia, etc.. and acted for upwards of twenty years as vice-consul for various European countries. He employed the best engravers of his day and was responsible for the production of many of the 19th century tokens held by the museum.

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Object Literature

Wine Labels, also known as “bottle tickets”, appear to have originated in the second quarter of the 18th century. They were made in many attractive designs and are a popular collecting field. Generally, the label is suspended around the neck of the bottle by a chain, although some are formed as plain collars which slip over the neck, or formed as a plain rectangle hinged from a wire ring. Among the many good makers are Hester Bateman and family, Phipps & Robinson, Samuel Bradley, Mary Binley and Paul Storr.