• Height:
  7 1/8 Inches
• Diameter:
  coasters: 7 1/4 Inches
• Period:
  18th Century
• Origin:
  England/Ireland

A significant pair of antique silver gilt double wine coaster wagons, considered to be among the finest examples of Regency silver ever created. The wagons were created by the highly regarded silversmiths Edward Barnard & Sons of London and exhibit the consistent and steadfast marks of quality and craftsmanship that rank them, to this day, with the finest and most respected of all Regency silversmiths. These outstanding wagons were created for the Drax family and bear their coat of arms featuring a griffin and lion rampant-the same motif that was utilized in the stylization of the wagons themselves. The workmanship and depth of detailing is unparalleled. These wine coaster wagons were part of the famed Al-Tajir collection, considered the most outstanding private collection of silver ever established, and pictured in The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection, Christie's, 1989, page 211. The wagons and coasters bear the makers mark of Edward Barnard & Sons, London, 1829 and are stamped "D. ELLIS LONDON FECIT" for the retailing firm of David Ellis. Silversmith Edward Barnard and his sons John and William have long been associated with London's finest silver masterpieces. Their works were exclusively created for major retailing firms such as Rundell & Bridge and David Ellis of London and were coveted for their exceptional beauty. Everything created by their hand, whether it was a general work or a special commission for royalty, was imparted with their renowned high standards for quality. References:The Glory of the Goldsmith: Magnificent Gold and Silver from the Al-Tajir Collection, Christie's, 1989Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Silver, page 113, Charles Truman ed., 1993