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Lion Lying on Plinth

Lion Lying on Plinth needle 
case
Needle Case with cast nickel-silver lion on lid


Design Representation

Design Details

Needle Case Type:

Figural

Patent/Registered to:

W. Avery & Son - Redditch

Patent/Design Representation #:

Ornamental Class1: Metal: #355150

Patent/Design Registration Date:

September 13, 1880

Location of Patent/Design Registration:

The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK

Reference #:

TNA Representation - BT 43/47/355150
TNA Register - BT 44/4/355150

Dimensions:

11.6 x 6.7 x 5.3

Material:

Brass

Name Variations:

W. Avery & Son - Redditch

Other Variations:

a) With cast nickel-silver lion on lid
b) With gilded cast lion and bottom hinged compartment

Additional Photographs

Back and side views

Side and top views

Interior and bottom views

Bottom signature detail

Gilded cast lion with bottom hinged compartment front and back (photos from eBay)

Gilden cast lion with bottom hinged compartment closed and open (photo sfrom eBay)

Facts

The lion is the second largest living cat after the tiger.  Although wild lions are only found in Africa and Indian today, over 10,000 years ago, they were the second most widespread large land mammal after humans.  The population of lions is currently believe to be around 16,500-47,000 down at least 30-50% in the last 20 years, probably due to loss of habitat and contact with humans.  The male lion with his distinctive mane has been used to symbolize royalty, power, prestige, wealth and courage.

Lion facts

History

During the Victorian period, with its burgeoning middle class, various types of entertainment become popular.  Traveling collections or menageries of wild animals had been around since Ancient times to amuse the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.  Throughout the Medieval period they performed for kings and the ruling class, however it wasn’t until the 19th century that the traveling circus reached the average person.  One of reasons for the increase in circus performances was colonial trade made it much easier to acquire wild animals.  In addition, with the newly installed railroad network, these circuses could more easily travel from one location to another.  One of the most admired acts of the circus was the lion tamer as he demonstrated the superiority of humans over animals.  What better way to do this then for the tamer to place his head in the lion’s mouth!

Lion history

Miscellaneous

Richard I of England ruled from 1189-1199.  His father was the great-grandson of William the Conqueror and his mother was Eleanor of Aquitaine, a region in France.  At age 16 he was given command of his own army and thereafter participated in many military campaigns earning him the name Richard the Lionheart because of his military skill and leadership.  After becoming king, he served as the leading Christian commander during the Third Crusade.  The armorial seal of Richard I is shown below.  It consists of three identical gold walking lions with blue tongues and claws, arranged in a column with a red background.  This coat of arms was adopted by Richard's successors and later became part of the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom.

Lion misc