A Commonwealth cast iron armorial fireback dated 1657

with the Cavendish arms surmounted by a coronet within an architectural frame, with a paper label inscribed From Dr. Taylor / Arthurtenlacke / Greenaway Lane / Hackney, worn

William Cavendish, 3rd Earl of Devonshire;
Presumably later disposed of and owned by Dr. Taylor;
Re-acquired

The fireback has the wear and deterioration one would expect form a piece this age. There is a start of a crack from the bottom through the middle. The surface is very pitted, rusting, and flaking in places. A very interesting piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is one of a number of armorial firebacks ordered by the 3rd Earl of Devonshire (1617-1684). The fireback predates Devonshire's major building activities of the early 1670s. These were directed towards the rooms in the north west corner of Elizabethan Chatsworth. He introduced a new staircase and the Great Chamber was refashioned. At the same time much of the layout of the house was altered and new gardens were created. A near identical fireback remains in the grate of the Great Chamber (see illustration opposite).