A PAIR OF GEORGE IV SILVER CHAMBERSTICKSJOSEPH ANGELL I, LONDON 1781With foliate baluster capitals, a lead capped scroll handle, shaped circular moulded borders with shells and foliage at intervals, engraved with a crest and on three pad feet, the snuffers conforming16cm (6 1/4in) long744g (23.9 oz)This is the crest associated with the arms of the THOROTON family of Thoroton, Great Crophill and Car Colston, Nottinghamshire. The family are well known in Nottinghamshire as a result of the multi-volume publication the Antiquities of Nottinghamshire (1677) of the work of the antiquarian Dr Robert THOROTON (1623-1678) of Cars Colton. Today a learned society (The Thoroton Society) still exists that promotes antiquarian research in Nottinghamshire. The owner of these chambersticks were likely to be Thomas THOROTON (1723-1794) of Screveton, Nottinghamshire. He married Roosila DRAKE illegitimate daughter of John MANNERS (1696-1779) 3rd Duke of Rutland by his mistress Elizabeth DRAKE. The couple and their family lived at Belvoir Castle or Rutland Gate. He later purchased Flintham Hall. Thomas was an MP, 1751-1761 for Boroughbridge, 1761-1768 for Newark and 1768-1780 for Bramber. There is also the possibility that the object could belong to his eldest son Col. Thomas THOROTON (1753-1813) born at Belvoir Castle, of Screveton and Flintham Nottinghamshire, who married later in 1784 Anne BOWES (died 1827) eldest daughter of George Wanley BOWES of Thornton Hall, Co. Durham.