The Earl of Coventry's Chargers. An exceptional set of three early George III Chargers in sizes. Made in London in 1763 by Samuel White.

The Chargers are of a large size and fabulous weight.  Each has a shaped circular form, with a gadrooned rim.  The border is engraved with a contemporary Armorial, with the Coronet of an Earl above and a Motto engraved on a banner below. The Arms are flanked by supporters.  These Chargers, when not being used, would have been placed on sideboards, at banquets and dinners, as a symbol of wealth and status.  The Chargers are in excellent condition and are very well marked on the reverse.  They are also engraved with their original scratch weights.  As you will appreciate it is rare to find a complete set of Chargers, of this size, from this date.

The Arms and Motto are those of George William Coventry, 6^th Earl of Coventry 1722-1809.  Coventry was the second but eldest surviving son of William Coventry, 5^th Earl of Coventry and his wife Elizabeth (née Allen).  He was educated at Winchester College and University College Oxford. He was elected to the House of Commons for Bridport in 1744 (succeeding his elder brother Viscount Deerhurst), a seat he held until 1747, and then represented Worcestershire from 1747 to 1751. The latter year he succeeded his father in the earldom and entered the House of Lords. He also served as Lord Lieutenant of Worcester from 1751 to 1808, and was a Lord of the Bed Chamber to George II from 1752 to 1760 and to George III from 1760 to 1770. He inherited Croome Court, near Pershore, Worcestershire from his father and commissioned Capability Brown to redesign both the house and surrounding parkland. A painting of the Earl, by Allan Ramsay is shown, together with an image of Croome Court.

Lord Coventry married firstly the Society beauty Maria Gunning, daughter of Colonel John Gunning, in 1752. She died in 1760, having produced a son and 2 daughters: 

• Lady Anne Margaret Coventry; married firstly Hon. Edward Foley, son of Thomas Foley, 1^st Baron Foley (1716-1777). Married secondly Capt. Samuel Wright.
• Lady Mary Alicia Coventry; married Sir Andrew Baynton-Rolt 2nd Bt. Had issue.
• George Coventry, 7^th Earl of Coventry; married firstly Lady Catherine Henley, daughter of  Robert Henley, 1^st Earl of Northington. Married secondly Peggy Pitches, daughter of Sir Abraham Pitches. Had issue from his second marriage.

Lord Coventry survived his second wife by five years and died in September 1809, aged 87. He was succeeded in his title by his son George.

Diameter of the larger Charger: 17.5 inches.

Diameter of the smaller Chargers: 13.5 inches.

Total Weight: 168oz.