A SET OF FIVE GEORGE III GOLD WINE LABELS

MARK 'DF' POSSIBLY FOR DANIEL FIELD, LONDON, 1794

Details

Each oblong shape with monogram above DW within motto and below crest and coronet framed by laurel garlands, with suspension chain, engraved MADEIRA, CHAMPAGNE, HOCK, BURGUNDY and PORT, marked on reverse, in fitted case
3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) long
2 oz. 9 dwt. (77 gr.)
The monogram DW and motto COMME JE FUS is that of the Dudley and Ward probably for William Ward (1750-1823), 3rd Viscount Dudley and Ward.
Provenance

with Daniel Packer, 2004.
Lot Essay

William Ward, 3rd Viscount Dudley and Ward (1750-1823) was a British peer and politician, the son of John Ward, 1st Viscount Dudley and Ward, by his second wife Mary Carver. He was elected to the House of Commons for Worcester in 1780 until 1788, when he succeeded his half-brother in the viscountcy and entered the House of Lords. In 1780 he married Julia Bosville, younger daughter of Godfrey Bosville of Gunthwaite, Yorkshire, and sister of the ardent Whig Colonel William Bosville (1745-1813).
Ward died in April 1823, aged 73, and was succeeded by his son John, who served as Foreign Secretary and was created Earl of Dudley in 1827.
Gold wine labels are very rare; an associated set of five dated 1792 and 1808 was sold at Christie's, London, 5 November 2002, lot 345.