SKU: AN33
A pair of sculpted sandstone pier finials carved as heraldic lions
Description
Almost certainly English, 19th century, the beasts portrayed sejant, each with forepaws supporting a shield, on octagonal bases, 124cm high
The armorials might have been painted at some point, but sadly no traces of painted decoration remain. However, in the appropriate colours 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, and it could certainly be very reasonably postulated that the finials might have originated in one of the stately properties owned by the Howard family.
AN-33
