The Grand Service
George IV's spectacular silver-gilt dining service and buffet
Tray (part of The Grand Service)
hallmark 1812/13RCIN 50837
This tray is engraved with the Royal coat of arms and with The Prince of Wales's motto Ich Dien ('I serve'). The handles are in the form of entwined serpents and the rim is cast with fruiting vines and revellers in the form of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry.
A number of craftsmen and designers were involved in the production of the Grand Service and among the most prominent was Thomas Stothard, who designed this tray. His preparatory drawing of the bacchanalian figures on the borders is also in the Royal Collection (RCIN 925778).