Each slender tapering column cluster stem
surmounted by acanthus-leaf decorated urn-shaped capitals with
shaped gadrooned detachable bobeches, raised on sloping square
bases, the corners with further acanthus leaf decoration, gadrooned
footrims;
the bases and bobeches crested with a greyhound
sejant, gorged and chained,
below the bannered motto FIDEM SEVABO (I Serve
Faithfully),
crest and motto Landgrave Thomas Smith and
Smith Families of Charleston, South Carolina
The first
Landgrave Thomas Smith (1648-1694) came from England to South
Carolina in 1684 with a grant of 650 acres. In 1687, he married the
widow Sabina de Vignon, thereby becoming the owner of Medway and one
of the wealthiest men in the Province of Carolina. In 1691, he was
made a “Landgrave” (county nobleman), and in 1693, was appointed
Governor. He died in 1694 at age 46 and is buried at Medway
Plantation. His coat of arms was found on his ring, dated 1671, with
which his son, Thomas Jr. sealed his own will.
Of interesting note
: from Smith’s prior position in Madagascar, he knew of rice and
wished to experiment with it in marshy land at the western edge his
garden. Quite by coincidence, the captain of a distressed vessel from
Madagascar, anchored near Sullivan’s Island, inquired for his “old
acquaintance”, Mr. Smith. Upon request during Smith’s onboard
visit, the captain’s cook provided a small bag of rice, which was,
planted, grown, and distributed among his friends – thus beginning the
rice industry in Carolina and the Americas.
In 1770, the title of
Landgrave was held by Henry Smith (b.1727, d. 1780).
Condition : Excellent, with only very minor expected dents; one bobeche, crested en suite, by Solomon
Hougham, 1806 (possibly from another similar set as the crest is
slightly smaller - see images below).
A set of 8 Corinthian column candlesticks with
plinth pedestals, John Carter II, 1771, was made for nearby
Middleton Plantation owner Arthur Middleton, and has recently
rejoined to the Middleton Plantation collection.
12-5/8” High
SOLD
#6436
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