Surprisingly little is known about this object type and their usage. Furniture rests seem to have been made in sets and were used during the late 18th and 19th centuries, to raise and protect wooden furniture from damp and damage in a domestic environment. These rests are often referred to incorrectly as 'window rests'. They were thought to have been used to hold open sash windows, however the shapes and wear on these rests clearly indicate use under furniture legs.
This furniture rest depicts Arthur Wellesley, later the 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) who was Britain's greatest military commander. His brilliant tactics and leadership brought about major victories over the French in the Peninsular War of 1808-1814 and, most famously, at Waterloo on 18 June 1815. The Duke then became a politician (Prime Minister from 1828-1830) and distinguished elder statesman. The display and use of such furniture rests in a domestic environment demonstrated the patriotism of the owner.