Attributed to Coade: A unicorn torso originally forming part of a Royal armorial, late 18th/early 19th century

Both ear and horn missing; old brad at top right leg; old rack across base; one cross and one fleur-de-lys missing on collar; latin inscription missing on banner across base; although some traces of letters still evident. Some surface flaking and old chips especially on base; traces of old paint. This is a relatively rare object and we would only recommend it if your client likes it's slightly battered condition . Althought it could be "tided up" we would not recommend a full restoration, since we feel that it would be very expensive and would lose it's charm.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This almost certainly originally formed the right hand section of a Royal Armorial, with a lion on the left hand side flanking the Royal coat of arms which would have borne the Coade stamp .  These were in great demand in Georgian times for businesses which had received a Royal Warrant to supply some commodity or service. Such firms were and still are, entitled to display the Royal Arms on their premises. These are usually painted today, but in the reigns of George III and George IV, Coade stone offered an attractive and suitably architectural alternative.

In 1799 Mrs Coade said that she had supplied Royal Arms, presumably Warrant holders, in Bond Street, Great Queen Street, Charing Cross, Strand,Long Acre, Fleet Street, St James' Street and Picadilly. Official buildings also had their Royal arms. Mrs Coade had good connections with the War Office, since her 1799 list includes Royal Arms for barracks at Aberdeen, Edinburgh Hamilton, Glascow, Perth, Northampton and York.

Literature; See Mrs Coade's Stone, Alison Kelly, SPA 1990,  pp273-5