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Register of the Catalogue of British Heraldry, c1750-1850
Mss224  
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Description
Catalogue of British Heraldry consists of sixty-one numbered pages of pen and ink drawings of coats of arms followed by a surname index, probably executed in the late 18th or early 19th century.
Background
Little is known about this album of pen and ink drawings of heraldic emblems. A book plate inside the cover bears the name "Thomas Sharpe." The name "W. Sharpe" is stamped at the top of the first page and, although it is tempting to ascribe the book to the noted antiquary Thomas Sharp (1770-1841) or to the even more famous engraver, William Sharp (1749-1824), one must observe that neither of these gentlemen spelled his name with the final "e." The style of calligraphy employed in the freehand drawings found in the album seems typical of that used between 1750 and 1850. Certain spelling errors ("feild" for "field," for instance) indicate that the author was probably a person of modest education. The layout of the album suggests that it might have been used as a sourcebook by an engraver, artisan or weaver employed regularly on bookplate commissions, paintings, hangings, carpetry, or the like.
Availability
Collection is open for research.