18th Century Regency England Mahogany Pole Fire Banner Shield With Original Gambling Artwork

Description

English Regency turned mahogany adjustable pole fire shield in the Georgian style of the mid-to-late-18th-century.

Fire Screens were popular in … more English Regency turned mahogany adjustable pole fire shield in the Georgian style of the mid-to-late-18th-century.

Fire Screens were popular in the 17th through early 19th centuries due to the wearing of makeup laden with wax and white lead. Lead reacted in a more toxic and life threatening manner when exposed to heat and the cosmetic wax would melt as well, so fire screens became useful items to protect the cosmetic wearer's face and skin. Smaller pole screens, such as the one for sale here, were utilized from the late 18th century into the early 19th century as the wearing of makeup became less prevalent, along with the plagues that necessitated it in the first place to hide things such as small pox scars.

The pole is turned ringed mahogany with an urn finial at top.

The pole is attached to a trio of sabre legs ( also called "spider legs" ) ending in squared brass caps and casters.

The banner shield is a rectangular mahogany wood frame with a glass front housing original ink, watercolor, and pastel gambling artwork.

The gaming illustration features a copy of the Courier Evening Gazette from the year 1800; playing cards; gambling chips; an addressed envelope; a pencil; a chalk box; a letter opener; a moth; and a promissory note from the Bank of England dated December 12, 1796 indicating the amount of five pounds owed to W.H. Neuland or bearer on demand. At

SIZE:

20.5" wide
20.5" deep
65.5" high

An adjustable pole fire shield of the time may be seen in the period artwork "A Good Story" (pencil and watercolor on paper) by George Goodwin Kilburne (1839-1924), shared here.

Pole shield will complement interiors showcasing elements of the Regency Period as well as Georgian, Queen Anne, Sheraton, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Federal.

Description Author and Photo Credit: Dawn Torres-Reyes less