| A very fine four bottle decanter stand by J Houle, London, 1818. It stands on four paw feet and the border is richly decorated with shells and gadrooning. The top of the handle measures 13 inches. The bottles appear to be original and are in excellent condition. The underside is engraved "Bought in the year 1786 by Paul Fitzsimons, Charleston, S.C., inherited through five direct generations by Paul Fitzsomons , Newport, R.I., 1934." Family history has a way of inflating certain claims because the piece could not have been purchased in 1786 since it was not made until 1818! The stand weighs a hefty 38 ounces. Excellent quality and condition. |
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