Antique Victorian Iron Bound Oak Silver Chest of ‘Frank’ Greswolde-Williams

An impressive late 19th century iron bound oak chest with a fabulous story, once belonging to the infamous F.W.G. Greswolde-Williams with brass name plate to the front.

Features two large wrought iron carry handles to each side, with a wonderful aged colour and masses of character, this is an exceptional piece which would make for a striking feature coffee table or storage seat.

To the inside is a brass name plate for George Birley & Company, Silversmiths, Worcester who most probably retailed the chest in the latter part of the 19th century.

Very good condition, structurally all sound with only some very attractive aged wear.

F.W.G. ‘Frank’ Greswolde-Williams

There aren’t many characters quite as colourful as Frank Greswolde-Williams. A larger than life Gentleman once mauled by a lioness and chief cocaine dealer to the Happy Valley set, a group of hedonistic aristocrats who settled in Kenya in the early part of the 20th century.

Frank was once famously ejected from a dinner party by fellow hunter Archie Ritchie for offering cocaine to the Prince of Wales (Prince Edward). Richie later commented 'There is a limit, even in Kenya, and when someone offers cocaine to the heir to the throne, something has to be done about it, particularly when it is between courses at the dinner table.'

As well as plying his questionable trades, Frank owned one of the most prestigious big game hunting areas in the Rift Valley (Africa) and was High Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1906.

English, late 19th century.

H: 68 W: 93 D: 60 cm