It was unexpected that, at the age of 64, William IV was crowned king of England. He had two older brothers, yet the death of Prince Frederick put him in line for the British throne when George IV died in 1830. His reign was brief, as he died on June 20, 1837, but it was a pivotal time of change, with parliamentary reform leading to the present-day constitutional monarchy. Antique William IV–style furniture reflects this period of transition, with forms that bridged the neoclassicism of the preceding Regency style and the more extravagant Victorian style that would follow.
Inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, William IV designs were often more imposing than Regency furniture and featured decorative attributes. There were sofas balanced on lion’s feet and tables with brass fittings. But furnishings of this period were largely marked by straight lines and subdued ornamentation compared to those of the George IV era. William IV had an unassuming way about him and was much more formal, whereas the ruler who preceded him was a king of extravagance. George IV had an affinity for French decor and was heavily invested in overhauling the private residences at Windsor Castle.
Carvings on William IV four-poster beds and cabinets included scrolling shapes, lotus leaves and acanthus, while popular pieces like tilt-top tables and upholstered seating on caster legs provided flexible interiors. Richly toned woods like mahogany and rosewood were used for sideboards, bedposts boasting reeded details and dining chairs with intricate chair backs and turned front legs.
William IV left no legitimate heirs, so his young niece, Victoria, became queen. She would lead an era of taste in which the innovations of the Industrial Revolution allowed for manufacturing showier furniture to fill elaborate interiors. With its comparatively refined forms and restrained designs, William IV style was a pause before a time of radical aesthetic change.
Find a collection of authentic William IV tables, armchairs, decorative objects and other 19th-century furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
William IV Period Sterling Silver Toast Rack - By Matthew Boulton
Located in New York, NY
William IV Period, sterling silver toast rack, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1830, Matthew Boulton - maker. Matthew Boulton's company was in business from 1762-1848. The t...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Antique English Blue and White Chinoiserie Transfer Earthenware Dishes
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine pair of 19th century English orientalist blue and white transfer pottery dishes by John Rogers and Sons, Staffordshire, depicting chinoiserie landscapes in floral borders. Stamp...
Earthenware
Staffordshire 8.25 Plate "Whampoa Pattern" Transferware Ceramic
Located in New York, NY
Staffordshire 8.25 Plate "Whampoa Pattern" Transferware Ceramic
Ceramic
Antique William IV period Old Sheffield meat dish and cover made circa 1830
By Roberts, Smith & Co.
Located in London, London
Made circa 1830 by Roberts, Smith & Co. , this attractive, Antique, William IV period Old Sheffield Plate Meat Dish & Cover, features a pumpkin shaped cover with flat chased detailin...
Sheffield Plate
Large Ornate Antique Sterling Silver Salver, London, 1836
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1836 by Hayne & Cater, this attractive, William IV, Antique Sterling Silver Salver, stands on three shell feet, and features a shell and scroll border, an...
Sterling Silver
$28,500
Paul Storr Silver-Gilt Bowl
By Paul Storr
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare and exceptional William IV bowl is the work of preeminent Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Crafted of luxurious gilt silver, the bowl exhibits all the hallmarks of Storr’s celebrated style, from the textured panels and applied decorations to the ruffled scallop shells and acanthus adorning its matching, fitted underplate. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations, and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Elegant and sumptuous, this bowl was later awarded as First Prize in a backgammon tournament in 1972. Paul Storr was a master at redefining and perfecting Georgian, Regency and William IV silver. Although he created items of great extravagance, some of his most captivating designs exhibited his restrained yet refined sensibilities. His works have remained the most desirable with collectors for generations and many have been given as prizes in refined competitions. Later presentation inscription “Clermont Club Grand International Backgammon Tournament April 1972 First Prize” Hallmarked London, 1836 on bowl and stand; stand numbered 435 Bowl: 8 ¼” diameter x 3 3/8” high Stand: 10” diameter 38.2 troy ounces The Clermont Club, located on London’s aristocratic Berkeley Square in Mayfair, is one of the most exclusive gaming clubs in the world. The club is housed in the only surviving town house designed by renowned Georgian architect William Kent, and the architecture and interiors make it one of the most elegant clubs in existence. The list of the club's original members included the cream of the British aristocracy...
Silver
$775
H 1.5 in W 12.5 in D 16 in
Podmore Walker Staffordshire Minerva Mythology Sepia Brown Transferware Platter
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stoneware sepia brown transfer printed platter, “Minerva” made by Podmore Walker & Co., Tunstall, Staffordshire, England, circa 1834-1859. In Mytho...
Earthenware
Paul Storr Georgian Sterling Silver Salts, London, 1811
By Paul Storr
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive set of three antique Georgian English sterling silver salts made by Paul Storr; an addition to our silver cruet and condiment collection. These...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,100
H 1.75 in W 15.25 in D 19 in
William Ridgway English Staffordshire Transferware Platter, Flosculous Pattern
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A black on white transfer printed floral platter in the Flosculous pattern, William Ridgway & Co., Shelton, Hanley, Staffordshire England, circa 1830-1854. A gently scalloped black-printed platter in an unusual borderless pattern. Alternating floral sprays extend outward — from a three part scroll motif in the center — up the well and onto the rim of the plate. The term ‘flosculous’ means having flowerets or composite-flowered. This stylized pattern feels very modern. 19 in. L x 15.25 in. W x 1.75 in H A printed urn...
Earthenware
Staffordshire 19th Century Blue and White Plate
Located in Cheshire, GB
Staffordshire 19th century blue and white meat draining plate. Dimensions Height 2.5 inches Width 20.5 inches Depth 16 inches.
Ceramic
Sterling Silver Hammered Bowl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
We are delighted to offer you this sterling silver hand hammered bowl by J. C. Boardman & Company of Wallingford Connecticut. This large bowl can definitely be used as a centerpiece....
Sterling Silver
$3,520Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.5 in Dm 13.75 in
Large and Heavy Gorham Chippendale Sterling Silver Serving Tray, 1944
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Chippendale sterling silver serving tray. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1944. Round with flat curvilinear ogee rim. A large and heavy piece in this pattern. Fully marked including ...
Sterling Silver
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.88 in Dm 16 in
Large Frank Smith Chippendale Sterling Silver Tray with Piecrust Rim
Located in New York, NY
Large Georgian-style sterling silver serving tray. Made by Frank Smith in Gardner, Mass. Round with molded curvilinear ogee-arch piecrust rim. A nice traditional piece in the aptly n...
Sterling Silver
$151Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 0.79 in Dm 10.63 in
Ceramic Dinner Plate, Handmade in Italy 2021, Choose Your Pattern
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
For more than 30 years this artist has revolutionized the way of thinking about stone. Their artisan techniques are the result of careful research and deep knowledge of the subject: ...
Lava
Sterling Silver Tray
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful sterling silver tray has a reticulated border and a fluted rim. It has a pedestal so it’s propped off the surface. It is an octagon shaped...
Sterling Silver
$270Sale Price|40% Off
H 1.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
Bauhaus Rosé Aluminium Tray, Bowl, Vide-Poche, Zeppelin Werke, Germany, 1930s
By Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot 1
Located in Vienna, AT
A square, pink-anodized bowl, handmade of aluminum, attributed to Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot. Executed by Zeppelin Metallwerke in the early 1930s, made as tableware for the Zeppelin airships...
Aluminum
19th Century Flo-Blue "Scinde" Pattern Luncheon Plates, 4 Pieces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These flo blue plates are in such nice condition. One small plate has minor edge chip. Selling the collection of four plates. Large plate measures 9.5...
Porcelain
$309
H 5.91 in W 9.45 in D 11.82 in
Midcentury Vintage Decorative Porcelain Cheese Plate with Mouse, Italy, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Unique decorative cheese plate with Mouse from Italy. Produced in 1970s. Plate is hand painted. Plate is in very good vintage condition, no damage or cracks. Mouse ears are a bit de...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Glass
Staffordshire 19th Century Blue and White Plate
Located in Cheshire, GB
Staffordshire 19th century blue and white meat draining plate depicting British scenery pattern. Dimensions Height 3 inches Width 20.5 inches Depth 16...
Ceramic
Cabbage Lettuce Leaf Platter Bowl
By Dodie Thayer
Located in New York, NY
A vintage European white cabbage lettuce leaf ceramic platter with attached bowl, circa late-20th century, Portugal. Piece is round-ish with leaf design including a ripple or wave ed...
Ceramic
Regency Silver Plated Toasted Cheese Dish by Matthew Boulton
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form rectangular with hinged removable domed lid with engraved crest and cast loop finial, wood handle unscrews expose fill hole for hot water to b...
Other
Blue & White Platter "Whampoa Pattern" Transferware
Located in New York, NY
No description provided
Ceramic
Sold
H 16.5 in W 21 in D 1.75 in
Antique English Blue and White Chinoiserie Transfer Earthenware Platter
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine 19th century English orientalist blue and white transfer pottery platter by John Rogers and Sons, Staffordshire, depicting a chinoiserie landscape bordered by trees and featurin...
Pottery
William IV Silver Entree Dish and Warmer Sheffield, 1832
By Samuel Walker
Located in Cornwall, GB
A very good quality William IV silver entree dish of shaped oval form. Embellished to the borders and lid with cast silver flower, leaf and fruit decoration. The twist off handle cas...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1.19 in Dm 8.86 in
Set of Four Silver Strawberry or Serving Dishes, London 1835 by Robert Garrard
Located in Cornwall, GB
A very rare set of four silver strawberry or salad/serving dishes London 1835 by Robert Gerrard II. Each scalloped circular body with wavy rim, the center engraved with an armorial f...
Sterling Silver
Fine William IV Sterling Silver Footed Salver, Hallmarked Sheffield, 1834
By Waterhouse, Hodgson & Co. 1
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The circular body embossed with 'C' scrolls and foliate engraved motifs, rising to a stepped wavy rim, raised overall upon three scrolled supports. The underside bearing full hallmar...
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century William IV Solid Silver Large Salver Tray by W. Brown
By W. Brown
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century rare William IV Solid Silver Salver tray, very large size and heavy gauge, of shaped-circular form with applied scroll and acanthus border, beautifully engraved ...