English and European Ceramics and Glass - 7th May 2014
Lot 50
A political ale glass 2nd half 18th century
Estimate £1,400 - £1,800 | Hammer £2200
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Description
A political ale glass 2nd half 18th century, the tall bowl engraved 'Wilkes and Liberty' above the number 45, raised on a double series opaque twist stem, 17.8cm.
In issue 45 of his publication, The North Briton, John Wilkes' attack on George III's 1763 speech endorsing the Paris Peace Treaty earned him a warrant for his arrest for libel. With strong public support, Wilkes was cleared by the Lord Chief Justice.