The 7th Duke (1822-83) succeeded to the title in 1857, having in 1843 married Lady Frances Vane, daughter of the 3rd Marquis of Londonderry, whose arms in the central shield are impaled by his. The Emperor Leopold of Austria, in consideration of services performed, created the 1st Duke a Prince of the Empire in 1704, hence the double eagle.
The 7th Duke's name was John Winston (Spencer-Churchill) and he was grandfather of Winston Churchill. In 1868 he was made Garter Knight, but, as there is no indication of this on the badge, it can have been made no later than 1868.
This armorial would probably have been mounted on the blinkers of a carriage horse for ceremonial family use. It measures nearly 5.75 inches (14.5cm) long and 4.75 inches (12cm) across and is constructed of die-struck silver sheet backed by lead. Its condition is excellent, with a little wear to the highlights of the central shield. There are the remains of some plaster on the reverse, which could easily be removed.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Horse Furniture : Miscellaneous : British : 19th Century]
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