Gower Earl Coat of Arms Jacobs English Peerage 1700s

Information

A finely engraved copperplate engraving on beautiful hand-made paper, this is a rare ornamental coat-of-arms for the ancestry of the Gower, Earl Gower family. This rare print is from Alexander Jacob’s three volume work, “A Complete English Peerage,” published London, 1766-1769.

Jacobs (1731-1785) was educated at Worcester College and afterwards at Merton College, Oxford. He took Holy Orders in 1760 and was chaplain to the Duke of Chandos. In December, 1760, he became one of the chaplains to King George III.

For many years, Jacobs was interested in studying the early works pertaining to British heraldry. He wished to learn all he could about the biography and history of the illustrious heroes and patriots whose deeds were so largely responsible for the expansion and growth of the British Empire. He was granted a license to print “A Complete English Peerage” which contained a “genealogical, biographical and historical account of peers of the realm.” He apparently found genealogical charts rather boring compilations of names and dates as he included only 89 family charts in the three volumes. His focus was on the history of each of the families he included in this work.

The very ornamental plates of coats-of-arms contained a shield with only the original insignia used by most of the families in the remote days of ancient knighthood. Specific details were given in the text to determine the correct heraldic colors to be used. The hand coloring has been added by a professional colorist.

This engraving of the coat-of-arms for Gower, Earl Gower, shows, at the top a wolf and the side supporters are two wolves. The motto “Frangas Non Electres”or loosely translated, Thou may’st break, but shalt not bend me, is above the name. Of great interest and added value is the inclusion of the original text pages.

Size and Condition

The approximate size is 9 ¼” x 14 ¼” and the condition is good with normal age toning and some very light staining. Evidence of the original book binding is on the left side. This coat-of-arms will frame beautifully and would be a wonderful gift for anyone who has the Gower name in their ancestry. A copy of the original title page is included.

Item ID: 0001085