Magnificent and rare Victorian wrought iron boot cleaner that once graced the boot room of the late Lord Sherborne. Typically over-engineered, it was made in solid iron by the revered Robert Boby - an ‘ironmonger, brass founder, brazier and turner’ of the mid to late 1800s. Brass maker’s plate fixed to the front: Robert Boby Ltd., Engineers, Bury St Edmunds. I would date this item to around 1900.
Handle turns on a chain driven system to turn the bristle brush to clean mud and leaves from the owner’s boots after a day in the hunting field, with an integral boot scraper to clear the mid-sole and instep.
Sourced from the Gloucestershire country home and ancestral seat of the late Lord Sherborne, and has been in a private collection since then. The National Trust has one of these on display at Basildon Park, West Berkshire.
A most wonderful talking point and decorative item for your country home, sporting lodge or hotel foyer - you’ll probably never see another!
H: 115cm W: 80cm D: 93cm
Collection by appointment, delivery possible by arrangement
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