Armorial Madeira Label, 1826

Heraldic silver Madeira wine label
Heraldic silver Madeira wine label DSCN6882 DSCN6883

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Wine Label - Madeira; Heraldic Lion - London 1826 by Mary & Charles Reily - 7cm wide x 5cm high; 19g - AC/5325

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This is a rare and handsome Georgian period silver wine label made by the mother and son partnership of Mary & Charles Reily who entered their first mark in 1826 following the death of John Reily. Known as an "armorial label", the lion rampant on a bar is likely to be a family crest and it sits above a crescent-shaped scroll. The label has a heavy chain and is pierced for Madeira. The hallmarks remain legible despite being partly pierced out and although in generally good order, there is a strengthening strip to the reverse side for the vulnerable connection between the rear paw and the bar. It is likely to be an original feature but could be considered a repair too.

 

A matching example for Port is illustrated as figure 555 (page 156) in "Wine Labels 1720 - 2003" and was made by the same makers in 1826. It would be interesting to see if this or others from the set have the strengthening bar.