Post Medieval Stoneware Bottle Group

Bicorn hat and epaulettes, the left hand side of the bicorn bears a black cockade, with twisted gold bullion wires on both front and back ends, edges are finished with black brocade featuring a continuous oakleaves and acorns, inside is lined with white silk and cream coloured leather ‘sweat band’; together with its original early Japanned tin hat box with brass handle and plaque engraved 'Capt'n T L Massie R.H.', and crowned arms engraved 'Portsmouth'. 1.8 kg, 50 cm



Acquired from M D L Historic Military Antiques. The Kusmirek Collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of listing and biographical information.

Leeke was born at Coddington Hall, Cheshire, on 20th October 1802. He entered the navy in 1818, serving in the Mediterranean on board HMS Rochfort, and later on different ships. Leeke was promoted to lieutenant in 1827, was made commander on Queen Victoria's coronation on 28th June 1838, and to second captain in March 1840, and, for the part he played in the capture of Acre during the Oriental Crisis, he was promoted to captain in 1841. In 1849 Leeke was appointed to HMS Cleopatra which he commanded in the East Indies and China during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. In 1854 he commissioned HMS Powerful, becoming rear-admiral in 1860, vice-admiral in 1866 and admiral in 1872. He died in 1898.

Displaying a bird standing right; repaired. 442 grams, 21.7 cm wide



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

Composed of a slender hoop inscribed around the interior, maker's stamp 'TS' in rectangular cartouche, possibly for goldsmith Thomas Sharp. 3.03 grams, 19.90 mm overall, 17.05 mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14)



From the collection of a North American gentleman, formed in the 1990s.

In the medieval period many rings bore posy inscriptions in Latin or French, the languages frequently spoken by the affluent elites. Later, inscriptions in English became more usual, although the lack of standardisation in spelling might surprise the modern reader. The inscription is generally found on the interior of the ring, hidden to everyone except the wearer and most of the sentimental mottoes were taken from the popular literature of the time. In fact, love inscriptions often repeat each other, which suggests that goldsmiths used stock phrases. In the later 16th century, ‘posy’ specifically meant a short inscription. A posy is described in contemporary literature as a short ‘epigram’ of less than one verse. George Puttenham (1589) explained that these phrases were not only inscribed on finger rings, but also applied to arms and trenchers. The practice of giving rings engraved with mottoes at betrothals or weddings was common in England from the 16th century onwards, and continued until the late 18th century. Sources suggest that rings could be acquired ready- engraved, or alternatively engraved sometime after their initial production, by a hand other than the goldsmith’s. Joan Evans assumed that posy rings were principally used by/between lovers and distinguished four contexts for the giving of posy rings by one lover to another: betrothals, weddings, St Valentine’s Day and occasions of mourning. Samuel Pepys’ diary makes clear that posy rings might also mark the marriage of a family member, when bearers could even commission their own rings and chose their own mottoes from books. The rings could also function as tokens of friendship or loyalty.