Contact Seller
Loveday Antiques Ltd
Tel01438 869 819Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 1438 869 819
Italian Late 18th C Bronze Locking Vessel
An Extremely Italian Rare Bronze Locking Vessel With Latin Inscription, Possibly with Maritime Associations.
Italy circa 1780-1820
This very unusual bronze receptacle that it was designed to be fixed to a surface which we have now sat upon a stone plinth for display purposes. The sides are cast with acanthus swags and other floral decoration with swags of husks joining the two handles, themselves formed from laurel wreaths. The cover is simpler in deocration with an egg and dart moulding and a finely cast acorn finial. There is a Latin inscription in two parts on the body of the piece, the inscription reading Contra biformis fortunae eventus on one side and uniformi constantia integerrime militavit on the other side and also on the base. Depending on how the insciption is combined, the full text reads either "contra biformis fortunae eventus uniformi constantia integerrime militavit" or "uniformi constantia integerrime militavit contra biformis fortunae eventus" and the text is said to be related to the works of the 12th century French theologian Hildebert de Lavardin and the poet Mathieu de Vendome. It also relates closely to a quotation attributed to Pope Gregory I "Qui contra biformis fortunae insultus uniformi constantia mentis militat praemunitus, ut nec in adversis deiciatur nec in prosperis elevetur".
Despite the very European decoration, the form of the piece bears distinct similarities to the upper sections of ancient bronze perfume burners made in China so they may have inspired the present design in some way. The precise purpose of this vessel when first made remains a mystery. It originally had two separate locks, one to each side, though one is now missing. It has been suggested that the vessel could have been used to store important keepsakes or even as a reliquary of some sort but equally there are suggestions that the piece has military or naval significance. One translation of the Latin inscription might be "With uniform constancy he fought with complete integrity against the two-fold events of fortune" which would be a worthy epitaph for a military hero and, according to a previous owner, the piece was used by commanders aboard a ship to store the names of sailors on active duty. The vessel would then be opened and the unlucky men whose names were called would be sent off to fight. Whether there is any truth to this or not, the piece certainly must have had a deep meaning to those who commissioned it. This is certainly not just a piece of decoration. Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London. Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.
As proud members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.
All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.
VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.
Please contact us for location and appointments.
Telephone 01438 869 819
Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk
Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment
We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.
SellerLoveday Antiques Ltd
View all stock from
Loveday Antiques Ltd
Private dealer
By appointment only
near Hertford
Hertfordshire
Tel : 01438 869 819
Non UK callers : +44 1438 869 819
Italy circa 1780-1820
This very unusual bronze receptacle that it was designed to be fixed to a surface which we have now sat upon a stone plinth for display purposes. The sides are cast with acanthus swags and other floral decoration with swags of husks joining the two handles, themselves formed from laurel wreaths. The cover is simpler in deocration with an egg and dart moulding and a finely cast acorn finial. There is a Latin inscription in two parts on the body of the piece, the inscription reading Contra biformis fortunae eventus on one side and uniformi constantia integerrime militavit on the other side and also on the base. Depending on how the insciption is combined, the full text reads either "contra biformis fortunae eventus uniformi constantia integerrime militavit" or "uniformi constantia integerrime militavit contra biformis fortunae eventus" and the text is said to be related to the works of the 12th century French theologian Hildebert de Lavardin and the poet Mathieu de Vendome. It also relates closely to a quotation attributed to Pope Gregory I "Qui contra biformis fortunae insultus uniformi constantia mentis militat praemunitus, ut nec in adversis deiciatur nec in prosperis elevetur".
Despite the very European decoration, the form of the piece bears distinct similarities to the upper sections of ancient bronze perfume burners made in China so they may have inspired the present design in some way. The precise purpose of this vessel when first made remains a mystery. It originally had two separate locks, one to each side, though one is now missing. It has been suggested that the vessel could have been used to store important keepsakes or even as a reliquary of some sort but equally there are suggestions that the piece has military or naval significance. One translation of the Latin inscription might be "With uniform constancy he fought with complete integrity against the two-fold events of fortune" which would be a worthy epitaph for a military hero and, according to a previous owner, the piece was used by commanders aboard a ship to store the names of sailors on active duty. The vessel would then be opened and the unlucky men whose names were called would be sent off to fight. Whether there is any truth to this or not, the piece certainly must have had a deep meaning to those who commissioned it. This is certainly not just a piece of decoration. Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London. Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.
As proud members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.
All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.
VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.
Please contact us for location and appointments.
Telephone 01438 869 819
Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk
Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment
We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 22/APR/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Date circa 1780-1820
George III Antiques Material Bronze
Origin Italian
Item code as501a1050 / 3024
Status For Sale
£3950.00 
$5284.71
€4604.12
$5284.71
€4604.12
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 22/APR/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
View all stock from
Loveday Antiques Ltd
Private dealerBy appointment only
near Hertford
Hertfordshire
Tel : 01438 869 819
Non UK callers : +44 1438 869 819
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