Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-williams

Name: Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-williams
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1070961
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Founders Antiques

Description

An impressive late 19th century iron bound oak chest with a fabulous story, once belonging to the infamous F.W.G. Greswolde-Williams with brass name plate to the front.

Features two large wrought iron carry handles to each side, with a wonderful aged colour and masses of character, this is an exceptional piece which would make for a striking feature coffee table or storage seat.

To the inside is a brass name plate for George Birley & Company, Silversmiths, Worcester who most probably retailed the chest in the latter part of the 19th century.

Very good condition, structurally all sound with only some very attractive aged wear.

F.W.G. ‘Frank’ Greswolde-Williams

There aren’t many characters quite as colourful as Frank Greswolde-Williams. A larger than life Gentleman once mauled by a lioness and chief cocaine dealer to the Happy Valley set, a group of hedonistic aristocrats who settled in Kenya in the early part of the 20th century.

Frank was once famously ejected from a dinner party by fellow hunter Archie Ritchie for offering cocaine to the Prince of Wales (Prince Edward). Richie later commented 'There is a limit, even in Kenya, and when someone offers cocaine to the heir to the throne, something has to be done about it, particularly when it is between courses at the dinner table.'

As well as plying his questionable trades, Frank owned one of the most prestigious big game hunting areas in the Rift Valley (Africa) and was High Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1906.

English, late 19th century.

H: 68 W: 93 D: 60 cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

68cm (26.77")

Width

93cm (36.61")

Depth

60cm (23.62")

Declaration

Founders Antiques has dated this piece to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1070961

Dealers Internal Reference

3155

Dealers Notes

DELIVERY INCLUDED - All prices include UK mainland delivery*.

The price you see is what you pay. *This covers most of England, Wales and Scotland as far North as Edinburgh / Glasgow.

Delivery is normally within 5-12 working days of dispatch depending on location. More remote areas may take longer or incur a surcharge. The courier will call you directly to discuss delivery arrangements.

Delivery is based on a one person service, so assistance may be required with larger/heavier items. If a two person service is required contact us for a quote. Delivery is based on a ground floor service to the door.

International delivery available - contact us for a quote.

If you have any questions or want to discuss this piece in more detail just give us a call on 07722 557245 or email hello@foundersantiques.co.uk

Description

An impressive late 19th century iron bound oak chest with a fabulous story, once belonging to the infamous F.W.G. Greswolde-Williams with brass name plate to the front.

Features two large wrought iron carry handles to each side, with a wonderful aged colour and masses of character, this is an exceptional piece which would make for a striking feature coffee table or storage seat.

“

To the inside is a brass name plate for George Birley & Company, Silversmiths, Worcester who most probably retailed the chest in the latter part of the 19th century.

Founders Antiques

fig 1. Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-Williams — fig 1. Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-williams

Very good condition, structurally all sound with only some very attractive aged wear.

F.W.G. ‘Frank’ Greswolde-Williams

There aren’t many characters quite as colourful as Frank Greswolde-Williams. A larger than life Gentleman once mauled by a lioness and chief cocaine dealer to the Happy Valley set, a group of hedonistic aristocrats who settled in Kenya in the early part of the 20th century.

fig 2. Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-Williams — fig 2. Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-williams

Frank was once famously ejected from a dinner party by fellow hunter Archie Ritchie for offering cocaine to the Prince of Wales (Prince Edward). Richie later commented 'There is a limit, even in Kenya, and when someone offers cocaine to the heir to the throne, something has to be done about it, particularly when it is between courses at the dinner table.'

fig 3. Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-Williams — fig 3. Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-williams

As well as plying his questionable trades, Frank owned one of the most prestigious big game hunting areas in the Rift Valley (Africa) and was High Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1906.

English, late 19th century.

H: 68 W: 93 D: 60 cm