MARK OF WILLIAM FRISBEE, LONDON, 1797

Details

A George III silver Royal presentation archery-trophy
Mark of William Frisbee, London, 1797
Formed as a hunting-horn with flared rim, suspended from a single-link chain and double ring, chased with borders of guilloche and berried laurel, applied with the Prince of Wales' feathers and motto and engraved with a presentation inscription, in lined and fitted later case, marked under rim
8½in. (21.5cm.) long
10oz. (317gr.)
The inscription reads, ''The Gift of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, to the Royal Kentish Bowmen, Won by Sir Richard Glode, Knight, the 11th Day of August, 1797'

Sir Richard Glode's obituary in The Gentleman's Magazine, October 1804, p. 984 reports his death, 'At Mayfield Place, Orpington, Kent of the gout of the stomach', it continues 'He rose from the humble situation of a journeyman bricklayer, by his industry and qualities, to the rank of Sheriff for the County of Middlesex and City of London, 1793 (in which year he was knighted); and has left a very ample fortune. Lady Glode is sister to Dr. Oldershaw, the present Archdeacon of Norfolk' There appears to be an error in the obituary. The Gentleman's Magazine for 1796 records that he was knighted on 6 November 1795 at St. James's Palace and the presentation of an address of congratulation 'at the escape of the King from assault on his way to and from Parliament. No doubt a keen sportsman Sir Richard was also a cricketer in the early days of Club Cricket and played at the Dartford cricket meetings held in the 1780s.

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The eighteenth century saw a resurgence in popularity of the medieval skill of archery. The sport was of antiquarian as well as historical interest and with the founding of the Royal Toxophilite Society at Leicester House in 1781, followed by the Royal Kentish Bowmen in 1785, the areas around London became a centre for competition. The societies, often under aristocratic patronage, sought to emphasize not only the sport but also its social aspects, and meets became great society occasions. The competitions between colourfully uniformed archers were often followed by dinner and dancing. The Prince of Wales, later King George IV, was patron of the Royal Kentish Bowmen and occasionally attended the meets in addition to presenting trophies.

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