Unsual 19th century toleware sign for 4th Earl of Bradford

A unusual toleware shield celebrating the attaining of majority for George Cecil Bridgeman otherwise known as Lord Newport and later the 4th Earl of Bradford.     The attaining of majority, reaching the age of 21, was seen as a significant milestone at the time.   Sir George Cecil Orlando Bridgeman, 4th Earl of Bradford was born on 3 February 1845. He was the son of Sir Orlando George Charles Bridgeman, 3rd Earl of Bradford and Hon. Selina Louisa Forester. He married Lady Ida Frances Annabella Lumley, daughter of Richard George Lumley, 9th Earl of Scarbrough and Frederica Mary Adeliza Drummond, on 7 September 1869 in Yorkshire. He died on 2 January 1915 at age 69 in London, England. He was buried on 6 January 1915 in Weston Park, Staffordshire.

Amongst other things Bridgeman was Member of Parliament (Conservative) for South Shropshire 1842-65; Privy Councillor 1852; Vice-Chamberlain of the Household 1852 and 1858-89; Lord Chamberlain of the Household 1866-68;  Master of the Horse 1874-80 and 1885-86; Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire 1875-96.  

The shield bears the original time worn paint and has suffered wear to the top right, in particular, with two holes to the metal, yet the textured paint makes for a decorative and unsual piece.

Measuring : 59 cm (approx 23") x 52 cm (approx 20")

England, 1866