Spirit burners 1813 with later additions from 1817
Silver gilt | 24.0 x 29.5 x 30.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 50278
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A pair of silver-gilt spirit burners, each cast in the form of a phoenix with raised wings, rising from a nest of flames on a rockwork base. In the centre of the phoenix's back is a small rectangular compartment with cover to take a wick. Engraved under the base with a coronet, Prince of Wales feathers and a G monogram.
The phoenixes were originally supplied to George IV when Prince Regent, by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, in 1813 for £505 1s 9d. At that date they were supported on fluted pedestals, which were later adapted to support vases. In their place the rockwork bases were added to the phoenixes for a further £202. In the inventories of Carlton House the pieces are not described as lamps or burners, but by 1832 they appear in an inventory as 'stands to burn naptha', so they may have undergone alteration to become lamps either in 1817 or at a later date.Provenance
Aquired by George IV when Prince Regent. Originally supplied as 'stands for the sideboard' in 1813, with 'fluted pedastals' (TNA LC9/351, f. 29). In January 1818 new basese were supplied and at this dates the phoenixes were descrbied as lamps (TNA LC9/351, f.38).
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Creator(s)
(goldsmith)(retailer/supplier)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Silver gilt
Measurements
24.0 x 29.5 x 30.0 cm (whole object)
Category