An ink stand incorporating a silver sculpture designed by Adrian Jones made to commemorate the victory of 'The Soarer' in the 1896 Grand National, hal

An ink stand incorporating a silver sculpture designed by Adrian Jones made to commemorate the victory of 'The Soarer' in the 1896 Grand National, hallmarked London, 1896, maker's mark HD & BN, inscribed 'THE SOARER' 1896, the reverse signed and dated Adrian Jones 1896, designed as a head portrait between two winged horses, the ebonised stand now lacking one of the silver-mounted glass inkpots, on silver hoof supports, length 30.5cm., 12in. For information on The Soarer see previous lot. The sculptor Adrian Jones (1845-1938) specialised in equestrian figures. He was born in Ludlow and studied at the Royal Veterinary College, qualifying in 1866 as a veterinary surgeon. He enrolled in the Army as a veterinary officer in the Royal Horse Artillery the following year. It was only in 1890, having achieved the rank of captain, that he retired, and in 1891 set himself up in Chelsea as an artist. He had no formal art training, but prospered with commissions for horse portraits. His most important and spectacular work is the monumental 40-ton Peace in her Quadriga, dating from 1912, set on top of the arch at Hyde Park Corner.