Pair Edward Barnard English Sterling Silver Fighting Roosters Statues 1261 Grams

DESCRIPTION: This is a wonderful pair of vintage Edward Barnard English sterling silver fighting rooster figures. A bit of info on the company:

Edward Barnard and Sons was a firm of British silversmiths. They created the Lily font, a large silver gilt baptismal font used in the christening services of members of the British Royal family.

The company's origins date back to about 1680, when the silversmith Anthony Nelme (d. 1722) established a firm in Ave Maria Lane, London. Edward Barnard (d. 1855) was first manager and in 1829 became the proprietor, trading as Edward Barnard & Sons, with his sons Edward Barnard (d. 1868), John Barnard and William Barnard (d. 1851). In 1838, they moved to Angel Street, London.

The Lily font was commissioned by Queen Victoria from Edward Barnard and Sons, for the christening of her first child, Victoria, Princess Royal on 10 February 1840, her parents' first wedding anniversary.

In 1898, they moved to Fetter Lane, and in 1920, to Hatton Garden, London. In 1977, they became a subsidiary of Padgett & Braham, and closed in 2003.

The pair is a superb example of the firm's artistry and craftsmanship. Dating from the Elizabeth II period, each figure hallmarked on edge of wings with maker's mark, silver and London hallmarks, and date code "e" for 1960. The figures are made of solid sterling silver. The set is very finely crafted and detailed and depicts a pair of fighting roosters, one crouched, the other upright with one talon raised. Both are realistically modeled with cast and chased tail feathers, and crisp detailing. The pair will make a wonderful addition to any fine silver collection!

CONDITION: The pair presents beautifully and is in very good vintage condition, with minor display wear and patina commensurate with age. There is minor surface tarnish - we gave this piece a quick cloth polish but you may wish to do more. Some tail feathers are slightly bent. One rooster has a small casting flaw on two tail feather (this "flaw" is virtually unnoticeable). Please review all photos before purchasing.

DIMENSIONS: upright rooster 9" in height, approx. 11.5" in length, 4" in width, weight 631 grams; crouched rooster 8-1/4" in height, approx. 9" in length, 8-1/4" in width, weight 630 grams. The combined weight is 1261 grams (40.5 Troy ounces - quite heavy!)

INVENTORY CODE: 2023/KP/F