Title etched above image.
Printmaker from British Museum catalogue.
Plate is probably antedated in allusion to the date of Lowther's peerage. See British Museum catalogue.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
"A satirical coat of arms for Sir James Lowther, created Earl of Lonsdale on 11 May 1784. The two supporters are ragged militiamen realistically drawn, one (dexter) being without shoes, with ragged stockings, through which his toes protrude, the other (sinister) is without breeches, a ragged shirt about his legs. On their cross-belts are the letters 'W.M.' [Westmorland Militia]. On the shield are six documents, inscribed respectively, 'False Musters'; 'False Certificates for Volunteer Companies'; 'False Returns'; 'Retention of Cloathing'; 'Contract for Building a Man of War (above a ship in construction, consisting of a few timbers only) 'Cancelled and Money Return'd'; 'Retention of Bounty'. Beneath is the motto 'Who. Doubts, it?' Above is a very large earl's coronet."--British Museum online catalogue.