A Pair of George IV or Later Cut-Glass Scent-Bottles, by...

Lot Description:

A Pair of George IV or Later Cut-Glass Scent-Bottles, by John Blades or His Successors Blades and Jones, London, Probably First Half 19th Century, each modelled as the Royal crown, with central detachable scent-bottle with finial formed as an orb and cross, each damaged, one with staple repairs, 12cm high It would seem certain that John Blades was making items such as these as early as 1823 when a view of his upper show room at 5 Ludgate Hill was published by Ackermann, after John Gendall (British Museum Heal,66.11). A close examination shows, among lavish glass for lighting and the table, a number of crown shaped objects. The most compelling comparison for the present scent-bottles is an object showing on the right of the mantlepiece. It is depicted apparently under a glass dome, suggesting it was treated as a very precious item. The mantelpiece shows another similar example in coloured glass and a third on the table which is in white and coloured glass. It is possible that these examples were made as a souvenir for the coronation of George IV which was held on 19 July 1821. John Blades was no stranger to Royalty, having held a Royal Warrant to George III and being known to have supplied diplomatic gifts on behalf of the crown, some of which were designed by the architect J. B. Papworth, see for example a pair of lustres from the Royal Collection, (RCIN 53130). A very similar example is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (C.791 &A-1936), having been gifted by Queen Mary.

Condition Report:
. There is significant damage to each with one being re-glued and the other with staple repairs. There are further chips to the glass overall.