georgian old sheffield plate wine trolley circa 1820

Description

This fabulous double coaster decanter wagon or wine trolley was made circa 1820. The stand, holding two coasters, is mounted on four spoked wheels, has an articulated mechanism and a swivelling handle. These wine trolleys were used in more formal occasions to pass the wine from guest to guest down a long table*.
The two wine coasters have decorative applied borders cast with shells and surmounted by two cherubs. The turned fruit wood bases have silver buttons. The undercarriage is well made and operates smoothly. The swivel handle is beautifully cast.
*According to Bradbury the trolley was invented in the early 1820 by Sir Edward Thomason, acting upon information received from Lord Rolle who had dined with King George IV.
The King, apparently, "regretted that his noble guests who sat on either side of him were constrained to rise from their seats to pass the wine" and said to Lord Rolle "As you have said that you are going to Birmingham tomorrow, you had better call upon Thomason who may invent some plan to obviate this inconvenience.
The trolley is shown on the last images with a pair of early Victorian decanters that can be purchased separately.
Dimensions:
Length: 53 cm / 20 inches
Diameter of coasters 17 cm/ 6.4 inches.
Condition:
Excellent.
Postage:
Postage UK: �15 Parcel Force 48
Postage overseas: No overseas postage.
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Internal Ref: DEC43