An extremely rare C19th carved marble sign that would have been mounted outside the ‘Servants Register Office for the West of England’.
Servants registries emerged during the reign of George III to match up servants with households that had vacancies.
They were usually run by ex-servants who had set up the business with their savings and often ran it alongside another enterprise such as a newsagent or grocer.
By the time Queen Victoria came to the throne, there were registries in most larger provincial towns and often several in the cities.
As well as being an exceedingly decorative object, this plaque also represents an insight into a fascinating aspect of British social history.
Provenence: Purchased from Wormington Grange, Worcestershire.
Measurements: W: 17.75” (45cm); H: 12” (30cm).
