Stock ref: DS2978

Circa 1930s

An early, very rare and almost certainly unique commissioned solid oak and leather fire screen. The front features a beautifully aged and patinated aniline leather hide stretched and studded all round to the edges and sides, embossed in high relief with a heraldic crest / decorative shield. To the top, a horseshoe flanked by rising wings, below a further diagonal band of three horseshoes and the latin inscription ‘ Vestigia Nulla Retrorsum’ which translates as ‘Never a Step Backwards’ or ‘We Never Retreat’. To the rear a solid oak frame and back board. Standing on traditional curve shaped sledge feet with wonderful early scrolls to the sides and a wonderful early mouse carving to one front foot.

Beautiful colour and patina to the wood and leather. There is evidence of old wood worn to the rear panel, however, it is now inactive. The leather hide is intact, just slight creasing visible to the middle top. All the studs remain in place and all the wooden joints are tight.

We’ve undertaken research on the heraldic crest but have been unable to identify it as belonging to any specific UK, USA or Canadian unit. The horseshoes suggest a strong cavalry connection and it is now thought probable it was commissioned for a particular officer with cavalry connections in his military career.

Size: 49.5(w) x 24(d) x 70(h)cm

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