19th Century English Finials Carved as Heraldic Lions, Set of 2

Description

The beasts are portrayed sejant each with the forepaws supporting a shield. They are sitting on octagonal bases. The armorials … more The beasts are portrayed sejant each with the forepaws supporting a shield. They are sitting on octagonal bases. The armorials might have been painted at some point, but no traces remain. However in the appropriate colors the three lions passant guardant in pale with a label is recorded for Plantaganet and Brotherton and is a quartering in the shield used by the Dukes of Norfolk. The second armorial is more enigmatic, but whatever family is represented, the armorial finials clearly represent an individual of very high rank. It could certainly be very reasonable postulated that the finials might have originated in one of the stately properties owned by the Howard family. The lions including bases are 124 cm in height. less