A set of four silver-gilt ice pails in the form of the Warwick Vase, with egg and dart rim, bifurcated vinestock handles and body cast with masks of Bacchus and Hercules between two satyrs, with the pelt of the Nemean lion below; on a circular foot and square base. Each vase has a fluted column pedestal stand, a dish cast with a border of ivy leaves, a collar and liner. These pails are copies of the Warwick Vase, a colossal marble vase, dating from the 2nd century AD, which was found in fragments in 1770 at Hadrian's Villa, near Rome, and was acquired by Sir William Hamilton. Hamilton sold the vase to the Earl of Warwick who set it up in the grounds of Warwick Castle. The vase was engraved by Piranesi and the prints of it inspired many copies in silver and silver gilt, especially for use as ice pails. These particular pieces were purchased by George IV when Prince Regent, in 1812, with a set of smaller ice pails (RCIN 50810), for £3470 5s 8d. The dishes which rest in the pails were designed to be used for fruit ice.