Images(14)

Wine Cooler, one of a pair

DateCa. 1815

Attributed to Kirby, Waterhouse & Co.

OriginEngland, Sheffield

MediumFused silverplate (Sheffield Plate)

DimensionsOH (to top of handles): 13 1/2"; OW (across handles): 8 1/2"; ODiam (at rim): 5 3/4"

Credit LineBequest of Dr. Lowry Dale Kirby

Object number1991-696,2A&B

DescriptionWine Cooler (A) and liner (B); fused silverplate. One of a pair of fused silverplate (Sheffield plate) wine coolers with liners; Wine Cooler (A): Low circular foot with band of stylized berries within shaped reserves tapers to oval beaded collar beneath a swelled urn-shaped body with two curvilinear reeded handles extending above the rim of the body. Lower quarter of body with elaborate relief leaf, grape, and cornucopia ornament; shoulder with band of relief acanthus leaves; neck with relief grapes, vines, and grape leaves; and rim with narrow band of stylized berries within shaped reserves (as on foot of object). A rectangular patch of “rubbed in” or “let in” sterling silver is visible on the side of the body, with the coat of arms engraved upon it.

Liner (B): A single-plated cylindrical insert with flat base to fit inside of and be suspended by the inter rim of body (A). The exterior of the liner is tin plated rather than silvered.
Label TextKirby, Waterhouse & Co. registered a touchmark to work in sterling silver at the Sheffield assay office in 1793, but by the early 1800s they were manufacturing fused silverplate in that city. The crisp modeling of elements such as the acanthus leaves, grapevines, and reeded handles seen on these wine coolers is indicative of the firm’s success in mastering the bold expression of classicism that took hold in the early decades of the new century. Pairs of wine coolers or ice pails adorned newly fashionable sideboards: a cylindrical sleeve inserted into the open mouth of the cooler held both wine bottle and ice, while the double wall prevented condensation from dripping onto the furniture. These coolers have an inset area of extra silver to accommodate engraving the coats of arms.
InscribedEngraved on body with the coat of arms of William Stewart (ca. 1778-1854). Motto: METUENDA COROLLA DRACONIS
ProvenanceEx Coll: Dr. Lowry Dale Kirby,Nashville, TN