Description
An exceptional and highly decorative original British hand-painted equestrian trade sign, created in the late 20th century in the tradition of historic saddlery and guild craftsmanship.
This impressive large-scale double-sided wooden panel celebrates J. Miles & Son of Dorchester, Dorset, a traditional English saddlery business presenting an establishment date of 1622, proudly identifying the firm as a Member of the Society of Master Saddlers.
The sign features a beautifully rendered heraldic composition derived from the arms of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers of the City of London—one of the oldest and most prestigious craft guilds in Britain—linking the piece directly to centuries of equestrian and leatherworking tradition.
Subject & Medium
A richly detailed heraldic equestrian trade sign, hand-painted on a substantial wooden panel, representing the identity and tradition of a British saddlery business.
The subject combines:
Historic British livery company heraldry
Equestrian symbolism (rearing horses, saddlery motifs)
Traditional trade signage
Decorative armorial composition
The design centres on a finely executed heraldic crest featuring:
Two rearing horses (supporters)
A central shield with saddlery motifs
A knight’s helmet with crowned horse crest above
Flowing acanthus mantling and motto scroll
Executed in traditional hand-painted signwriting and heraldic painting, the piece displays bold serif lettering, strong colour blocking and detailed brushwork. The palette of ochre yellow, black, red and muted heraldic tones enhances its visual impact.
Constructed as a double-sided wooden sign within a painted frame, it was designed for high visibility and impact—typical of quality British shopfront signage—making it both a functional commercial object and a striking decorative artwork.
Composition & Technique
This piece is composed as a formal heraldic panel with a central armorial device, symmetrically arranged and framed by equestrian supporters and ornamental detailing.
The technique consists of hand-painted brushwork on prepared wood, incorporating:
Traditional serif sign lettering
Layered paint application
Fine line work and outlining
Decorative shading and stylised foliage
Balanced symmetrical composition rooted in heraldic design principles
The combination of bold commercial signwriting and refined heraldic painting demonstrates the work of a skilled craftsman, elevating the piece into the realm of large-scale decorative wall art.
Maker
The specific artist or signwriter is unrecorded, which is typical for trade signage of this nature.
However, the work was almost certainly produced by a professional commercial signwriting studio or decorative painter, commissioned by J. Miles & Son. The quality of execution—particularly in the heraldic detailing, brushwork, and balanced composition—indicates a skilled hand experienced in:
Traditional British signwriting
Heraldic painting conventions
Workshop-based commercial production
Such pieces were rarely signed, making surviving examples increasingly desirable as authentic anonymous works of British craftsmanship.
Historical Context & Guild Heritage
The imagery and symbolism connect directly to centuries of British equestrian tradition:
The Worshipful Company of Saddlers traces its origins back to at least the 12th century
It received Royal Charter status in the 14th century and historically regulated saddle-making within the City of London
The Company maintains strong links with the modern equestrian world, including ceremonial, military, and sporting associations
J. Miles & Son, as a Master Saddlers-affiliated business, would have operated within this respected tradition of craftsmanship, producing or supplying saddlery, harness, and equestrian goods.
The heraldry displayed—horses, shield, helmet and crest—visually reinforces this identity, making the sign not just decorative but deeply rooted in British horse culture and trade heritage.
The Latin motto:
“Nostra Fides In Deo Est” – “Our Trust Is In God”
reflects the enduring values of craftsmanship, trust, and tradition.
Dimensions
Height: 101.7 cm
Width: 95 cm
Depth (frame): 6 cm
A commanding, statement-scale work ideal for feature display.
Provenance
J. Miles & Son, Master Saddlers, Dorchester, Dorset
Private collection
Dukes Auctioneers, Dorset (label verso)
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Originally used as a shopfront or trade display sign in Dorchester, Dorset
Why You'll Love It
Statement scale – nearly 1 metre, instantly commanding attention
Authentic equestrian heritage – rooted in British saddlery tradition
Guild-linked design – featuring heraldry associated with a historic London Livery Company
Hand-painted craftsmanship – no prints, entirely executed by hand
Double-sided rarity – highly desirable for interior designers and display flexibility
Interior design impact – perfect for Ralph Lauren–style, country house, or sporting interiors
True conversation piece – rich story combining history, trade and decorative art
This is the kind of object that transforms a space, adding depth, character, and a distinctly British sense of heritage.
Ideal For
Equestrian estates, polo clubs & tack rooms
Country house interiors & libraries
Luxury offices & boardrooms
Interior designers & collectors of British heritage décor
Film, theatre and TV set design
Condition Report
Presented in good vintage condition with honest age-related wear, consistent with use as a working trade sign:
General surface wear, scratches and scuffs throughout
Areas of paint loss and minor historic overpainting / touch-ups
Craquelure to painted surfaces
Light staining and age patination to the ground
Frame with knocks, abrasions and edge wear
Overall, the condition is entirely in keeping with its purpose and adds to its authentic decorative appeal and character. Structurally sound and ready for display.
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.
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About Us
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Registered office located in Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London.
Source the Historic! British & European Fine Arts, paintings, sculptures & valuable collectibles! From the antique 17th century to the modern contemporary era. Founded in 2005 and still run today by fellow Directors Michael, and Victoria, for nearly two decades, coming from an academic background, overseeing all historical research. Supporting the daily operations at Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD & directing our social media campaigns, we've been taking art collectors, hobbyists, and interior aficionados on a journey through time. Our passion is sourcing the very best historic collections that the arts and antiques world has to offer and to-date, we have worked directly with private clients through to commercial corporate organisations, museums, auctioneers, art agents & dealers being their leading collaboration partners as Fine Arts consultants. Certified elected members of the Fine Art Trade Guild.
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Condition
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Buyer's Premium
20%
Equestrian Heraldic Trade Shop Sign J.Miles & Son-Master Saddlers-Dorchester
$4,320.00
$6,000
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