These exceptional and rare antique George IV sterling silver boxes have a plain rectangular form.
The surface of each silver box is plain and unembellished, with applied thread decoration to the lower rim.
Each box is fitted with a plain hinged hallmarked cover, ornamented with further applied thread decoration to the upper rim.
The upper plateaus of the covers are individually embellished with an impressive contemporary bright cut engraved crest: one bears out of a ducal coronet a wyvern below the motto 'Avi Numerantur Avorum' - The forefathers of our forefathers are numbered and to the other an eagle regardant with wings extended grasping an escutcheon charged with a lion's head, below the 'Virtute et Robore' - By Virtue and Strength.
By virtue of its size these versatile 19th century boxes could be used for a multitude of functions.
Such original boxes of this period and size are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.
Maker: John Reily
Date: 1823
