02/08/2024
Rare Martinez Gassiot barrel shelf/ collectors item
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This is undoubtedly among one of our most treasured finds to date. An incredibly rare Martinez Gassiot sherry barrel lid which we believe is dated 1955 (engraved numbers of ‘55’ near to the coat of arms emblem).
Martinez was founded in 1790 by the Spaniard Sebastian Gonzalez Martinez, who, from his base in the City of London sold sherry, ci**rs and Port which was sourced from a number of producers and sold on to British merchants for bottling under their own names. In 1822, he went into partnership with an Englishman, John Peter Gassiot, a Member of The Royal Society and amateur scientist. By the time Sebastian Martinez retired in 1849, the company had become the largest shipper of Port to the UK, with its own lodges in Oporto acquired in 1834.
Despite far too many hours of research, we still can not fathom the Liverpool connection!!!
Perhaps , given the shipping merchant element, the original barrel came through Liverpool docks. Or Martinez could have had a connection with one of Liverpool’s two pre war whisky distilleries?
Whatever its journey, it is a unique piece of of both Spanish sherry and scotch whisky history . The markings have faded over time but still look incredible.
Dark oak finish
The shelf holds around 6 bottles.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 60 cm
Depth: 11 cm
(Ready to hang : recessed key plate attached to rear)
£95 collection
