A magnificent pair of Chamberlain Worcester Ice Pails in 'Japan' pattern 240 c.1800 - 1810

A magnificent and large pair of Chamberlain Worcester ice pails, covers and liners, c1800-10. Of generous size, the urn forms applied with gilt mermaid handles, supported on the tails of three dolphins, the triform bases with shell corners, the covers with coiled dolphin finials, richly decorated in the 'Fine Old Japan' pattern number 240, the Imari design highlighted in gold, 36cm high.

Condition: Professional restoration to both lids and one handle. 

Chamberlain's pattern number 240 became much associated with Nelson, after he chose this pattern when he visited the factory with William and Emma Hamilton in tow in August 1802. His subsequent order became known as the 'Horatia' service, as listed in the Merton or 'Trickey' inventory of circa 1813. The original Chamberlain order lists Nelson's breakfast set in detail, see lot 500 in this sale for a breakfast cup from that service owned by Nelson and Emma. Written at the bottom of Nelson's order form '1 complete dinner service and 1 complete desert [sic] with ice pails' are mentioned. The dinner and dessert services were never put into production so, sadly, no 'Horatia' service ice pails ever existed. If Nelson had escaped his fate and lived at Trafalgar then he might have expected something as grand as the present lot, complete with his own crest and insignia.