THE 1ST EARL GREY. A very rare & important george iii wirework "Globe" Wax Jack made in London in 1795 by Henry Green.
THE 1ST EARL GREY. A very rare & important george iii wirework "Globe" Wax Jack made in London in 1795 by Henry Green.
374128
The Wax Jack is modelled in a most unusual wirework "Globe" form and stands on a circular spreading pedestal foot which is decorated with reeding. The main wirework body, is modelled as a globe, with a circular drip pan at the top, where the wax taper comes through. The main body separates into two sections, with a central bar which unscrews and where the wax can be coiled around. The side also displays a conical extinguisher, attached to the main body with a chain. The base is finely engraved with a contemporary Crest, surrounded by a Garter engraved with the Motto of the Order of the Bath.
The Crest and Motto are those of Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey 1729-1807, who served as a British General in the 18th century. A distinguished soldier in a generation of exceptionally capable military and naval personnel, he served in the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763, taking part in the defeat of France. He later served in the American War of Independence (1775-1783) and in the early campaigns against France during the French Revolutionary War. Following the Battle of Paoli in Pennsylvania in 1777, he became known as "No-flint Grey" for, reputedly ordering his men to extract the flints from their muskets during a night approach and to fight with the bayonet only.
He was the forth son of Sir Henry Grey, 1st Baronet, of Howick and Hannah, daughter of Thomas Wood of Fallodon. In 1744, with financial assistance from his father, Grey purchased a commission as an ensign in the 6th regiment of foot. In 1806 he was raised in the Peerage to Earl Grey and Viscount Howick. He married Elizabeth Grey 1744-1822, daughter of George Grey of Southwick and together they had seven children including Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, British Statesman and Prime Minister after whom Earl Grey Tea is named. The 1st Earl and his wife brought up Eliza Courtney, the illegitimate daughter of their son Charles, with the celebrated Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.
It is most unusual to find this design of Wax Jack, which would have been used on a desk to seal letters, or to carry around and light other candles from. With reference to the maker, Henry Green, he was apprentice to Charles Aldridge and had workshops in Aldersgate Street, when this piece was made. This piece is fully marked in the foot and on the extinguisher and with the sterling mark on the upper section. A print, after the portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence, si shown.
Height: 4.75 inches, 11.88cm.
Diameter in the centre: 3 inches. 7.5cm.
Weight: 9oz.
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://marycooke.co.uk/british-silver-1760-1830/the-1st-earl-grey-a-very-rare-important-george-iii-wirework-globe-wax-jack-made-in-london-in-1795-by-henry-green&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/marycooke-8876-Qfhef-OE67/stock/622e2641643aa_513_374128.jpg&description=The Wax Jack is modelled in a most unusual wirework "Globe" form and stands on a circular spreading pedestal foot which is decorated with reeding. The main wirework body, is modelled as a globe, with a circular drip pan at the top, where the wax taper comes through. The main body separates into two sections, with a central bar which unscrews and where the wax can be coiled around. The side also displays a conical extinguisher, attached to the main body with a chain. The base is finely engraved with a contemporary Crest, surrounded by a Garter engraved with the Motto of the Order of the Bath.The Crest and Motto are those of Charles Grey, 1st Earl Grey 1729-1807, who served as a British General in the 18th century. A distinguished soldier in a generation of exceptionally capable military and naval personnel, he served in the Seven Years' War of 1756-1763, taking part in the defeat of France. He later served in the American War of Independence (1775-1783) and in the early campaigns against France during the French Revolutionary War. Following the Battle of Paoli in Pennsylvania in 1777, he became known as "No-flint Grey" for, reputedly ordering his men to extract the flints from their muskets during a night approach and to fight with the bayonet only.He was the forth son of Sir Henry Grey, 1st Baronet, of Howick and Hannah, daughter of Thomas Wood of Fallodon. In 1744, with financial assistance from his father, Grey purchased a commission as an ensign in the 6th regiment of foot. In 1806 he was raised in the Peerage to Earl Grey and Viscount Howick. He married Elizabeth Grey 1744-1822, daughter of George Grey of Southwick and together they had seven children including Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, British Statesman and Prime Minister after whom Earl Grey Tea is named. The 1st Earl and his wife brought up Eliza Courtney, the illegitimate daughter of their son Charles, with the celebrated Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.It is most unusual to find this design of Wax Jack, which would have been used on a desk to seal letters, or to carry around and light other candles from. With reference to the maker, Henry Green, he was apprentice to Charles Aldridge and had workshops in Aldersgate Street, when this piece was made. This piece is fully marked in the foot and on the extinguisher and with the sterling mark on the upper section. A print, after the portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence, si shown.Height: 4.75 inches, 11.88cm.Diameter in the centre: 3 inches. 7.5cm.Weight: 9oz.){kind=link}