'Lady Bountiful' Sherry Label, 1809

This is a fabulous wine label in one of the most popular designs. It is beautifully proportioned with a naked winged lady or fairy to the top with long outstretched arms encompassing a vine and grape border and a lion's mask to the base. The "Lady Bountiful" label is a rare occurrence and is illustrated (figure 564) and discussed in "Wine Labels 1730-2003" edited by John Salter. This is a fine early example of the type (pre-dating the first suggested manufacture of 1821 by some 12 years) with clear hallmarks for Reily & Storer overstriking another - possibly that of Benjamin & James Smith producing for Rundell Bridge & Rundell..