Page 85 - the Alan Blakeman Catalogue

191. SEALED SHAFT & GLOBE BOTTLE. 7.2ins tall, c.1665-70. This example is the one which infamously
was washed upon being extracted straight out of the ground, and it cracked in half! However, the seal
itself is the clearest and crispest of the bunch,
whilst the crack itself (if carefully cleaned at the joint) is a very ‘snug’ fit. Possibly with a restorer
the crack could be made invisible/ hard to see? Features the extraordinary and magnificent all over body golden
iridescence. The round matrix seal presents a shield surmounted by a coronet bearing three crescents,
two upper and one lower divided by a band (a ‘fesse ermine’). The shield is the arms of the Earls and
Barons of Coventry who resided in the now National Trust owned property of Croome Court, adding
considerably to its antiquarian interest. Additional images can be found on easyliveauction.com. This
bottle is a very fine example with a complete string rim and undamaged top area. Simply ‘oozes’
enormous character. An exceptional & important offering, the very best of the Croome finds! NR
£6,000-8,000+