Victorian Coromandel Decanter Set by Leuchars

Description

A Victorian coromandel decanter set by Leuchars dating to circa 1880. The case is veneered in figured coromandel with shaped corners mounted by brass quadrants. The lid is inlaid with the engraved crest of the McCarthy Reagh family depicting a lizard held in a fist together with the family motto, “Strong, Courageous and Swift.”

The highly distinctive brass-inlay crest, a cubit arm vested and cuffed, grasping a lizard, is the definitive armorial device of the historic MacCarthy Reagh lineage. Given the circa 1880 date and the extreme luxury of this Leuchars commission, the set was almost certainly manufactured for a prominent member of the wealthy Anglo-Irish gentry lines of this house, such as the MacCarthy O’Leary family of Coomlagane, or the MacCarthy branch of Laurel Hill, both of whom maintained the high social standing and London connections synonymous with Leuchars’ elite clientele.

The front is fitted with twin lock barrels, one operating lock and one simulated for symmetry. Once unlocked, the right hand barrel twists to release the right door. Inside, a concealed brass button beneath the engraved Leuchars & Son nameplate releases the left door, allowing both doors to open before the lid is lifted.

The satinwood lined interior houses three glass decanters decorated with grape and vine engraving, each retaining its original faceted ball stopper. The decanters are housed within fitted lined divisions and are accompanied by seven matching spirit glasses. Four glasses are fitted within the folding door compartments, with a further three positioned behind the decanters. Each glass is finished with a tapered stem, cut bowl and star cut base. The decanter set retains its working lock and tasselled key.

This is an extremely rare Leuchars model, displaying the high standard of design and quality for which the firm became known during the late nineteenth century.

View the full Decanter Collection.

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Measurements

Closed 28.5cm High x 28cm Wide x 32cm Deep (11.2 High x 11 Wide x 12.6 Deep Inches)

Opened 54cm High x 78cm Wide x 28cm Deep  (21.2 High x 30.7 Wide x 11 Deep Inches)

Literature

Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue page 54

Who were the MacCarthy Clan?

A thousand years ago, the MacCarthys were among the wealthiest, most powerful septs in Ireland. The leading 18th-century historian Charles O’Conor of Belanagare hailed them as ‘the most eminent by far of the noble families of the south’. Today, the surname of MacCarthy (or McCarthy) is one of the twenty most frequently found in Ireland, primarily in County Cork.

Who were Leuchars & Sons?

Leuchars of 47 Piccadilly, London was established in 1794 by James Leuchars. In 1837 the firm received a royal warrant for the supply of dressing cases to the royal family. Leuchars were also regular suppliers to the highly regarded Asprey of London. They were prominent cabinet makers throughout the 18th and 19th centuries creating some of the finest pieces of furniture and decorative objects of the time.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers article on Leuchars.

What is Coromandel?

Coromandel is a valuable wood found in India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. It has a contrasting hazel-brown colour with black grain. It is a dense, heavy wood that is so popular it has been logged to extinction over the last few hundred years. This makes Calamander pieces even more special.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Coromandel.

What is Satinwood?

Satinwood is found in India and Sri Lanka. It has a rich golden colour and an almost reflective sheen. Satinwood is traditionally used for high quality furniture.

For further information see our Woods Encyclopaedia on Satinwood.

What is the Victorian Period? 

The Victorian period is an era of British History corresponding approximately with the reign of Queen Victoria from the 20th of June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901 however, there are arguments stating that the Victorian era is actually from 1820 until 1914 proceeded by Georgian era and followed by the Edwardian era.

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Additional information

Dimensions	28 × 32 × 28.5 cm
Country	England, United Kingdom
Medium	Coromandel, Satinwood
Literature	Mark Goodger 25th Anniversary Catalogue
Period	19th Century, Late 19th Century, Victorian
Year	Circa 1880
SKU	501519XTRE