{"product_id":"a-rare-george-iv-board-of-ordnance-painted-cast-iron-architectural-plaque-c-1825","title":"A rare George IV Board of Ordnance painted cast iron architectural plaque, c.1825","description":"\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA rare and impressive George IV painted cast iron architectural plaque c. 1825. Richly cast in high relief, the plaque is surmounted by the royal crown above the cipher \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eIV GR\u003c\/span\u003e, enclosed within an elaborate wreath of oak leaves and laurel incorporating a heraldic rose and shamrock. To the lower section are the letters \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eB O\u003c\/span\u003e, divided by the British Government \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eBroad Arrow\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe Broad Arrow was the official property mark of the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eBoard of Ordnance\u003c\/span\u003e, the government department responsible for Britain’s arsenals, fortifications, magazines, military stores and ordnance until its abolition in 1855. Following an order issued in 1806, Board of Ordnance property was routinely marked with the Broad Arrow, often in conjunction with the initials \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eB ↑ O\u003c\/span\u003e, before the familiar \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eW ↑ D\u003c\/span\u003e (War Department) mark came into use after 1855.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe combination of the George IV royal cipher, the Board of Ordnance initials and Broad Arrow, together with its substantial architectural construction and original fixing points,  suggests that this plaque was produced for permanent display on a Board of Ordnance property. Whilst its precise original location is unknown, it was almost certainly intended for a government or military building and may have identified an armoury, magazine, arsenal, ordnance depot or other significant Board of Ordnance establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eUnlike the functional property marks more commonly encountered on ordnance equipment, this example is unusually decorative, reflecting both its official status and architectural purpose. The quality of the modelling is particularly noteworthy, with crisp relief to the royal crown, wreath and lettering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe plaque survives with what appears to be its original polychrome decoration, retaining black, red, green and gilt painted finishes which beautifully enhance the quality of the casting. The reverse remains untouched, displaying its original hollow-backed construction with integral strengthening ribs, characteristic of high-quality early nineteenth-century architectural ironwork. The survival of its early painted finish greatly enhances both its historical interest and decorative appeal, as examples retaining original polychromy are particularly uncommon.    This also suggests it wasn't exposed to the elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eExamples of this type of Board of Ordnance architectural plaque are seldom encountered, particularly retaining what appears to be their original painted finish. Combining direct links to Britain’s military administration with exceptional decorative presence, it is a particularly scarce and visually striking survivor from the reign of George IV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eMeasuring: 53 cm tall (approx 21\")\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBritish, c. 1825\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rob Hall Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47963210186917,"sku":null,"price":950.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1151\/3980\/files\/IMG_7044_57a1eb63-6ddf-4477-a8fe-5eff83ec793a.jpg?v=1783015178","url":"https:\/\/robhallantiques.com\/products\/a-rare-george-iv-board-of-ordnance-painted-cast-iron-architectural-plaque-c-1825","provider":"Rob Hall Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}