A pair of George III silver-gilt wine coolers and stands, Benjamin Smith, retailed by Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, London, 1807

the circular dished stands with ovolo borders and acanthus scroll handles, the vase-shaped bodies partly gadrooned below applied arms, collar of scrolling grapevine on matted ground with masks of Bacchus and Ceres, the hoop handles rising from Greek heads, detachable gadrooned rims, interior supporting grids, engraved with crest in Garter under coronet on stands and rims.

William, 1st Earl of Lonsdale (1757-1844), by descent to
Lancelot Edward, 6th Earl of Lonsdale, O.B.E. (1867-1953), sold
Christie's London, February 19-20, 1947, lot 143
Christie's London, November 24, 1971, lot 74

rim on cooler numbered 1 does not fit fully flush but not obvious, two small dings to body; other cooler with one ding and one small dent, otherwise good, crisp
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

William Lowther was the son of Rev. Sir William Lowther, Bart., but more importantly cousin and heir of Sir James Lowther (d. 1802), created Earl of Lonsdale in 1784.  Sir James was one of the wealthiest men in 18^th century England, having inherited three fortunes: one from his father, Governor of Barbados, another from a cousin including Lowther and lands in Cumberland and Westmorland, and a third from another cousin including the town of Whitehaven with its shipping, coal mines, minerals, and £2 million (an amount that equaled one fourth of the annual British exports in 1755).  He controlled nine boroughs in Parliament, was notoriously arrogant and close-fisted, and was nicknamed "The Bad Earl."

As Sir James' cousin, William inherited much of the land and the titles of Viscount and Baron.  He was created Earl of Lowther in his own right in 1807, and received the Garter the same year.  He had previously been as M.P. for Carlisle, 1780-84, for Cumberland 1784-90, and for Rutland 1796-1802.  He served in the 80^th Foot, rising to Lieutenant Colonel, and was Lord Lieutenant of Cumberland and Westmorland from 1802.  He married in 1781 Augusta, daughter of John, 9^th Earl of Westmorland, and they had six children.

As opposed to his stingy forbearer, William was determined to enjoy the fortune he enjoyed from land, shipping, and coal.  He spent over £200,000 on the Lowther Hall estate, having Robert Smirke remodel the house between 1806 and 1814; the completed building was rechristened Lowther Castle.  The architect wrote of his patron:
His Lordship rises at 7 o'clock in the winter and earlier in the Summer, and to bed between 11 and 12, and does a vast amount of business.  His private amusement is hunting, and he keeps about 50 Hunters... He has very good spirits, and enjoys conversation, anecdotes & c., and tells pleasant stories of Himself.  His income is supposed to be from 80 to £100,000 a year, but He has vast expences [sic].  He has 4 establishments, one at Lowther, also at Whitehaven, Cottesmere in Rutlandshire, and in London (The Peerage).

The 1^st Earl made massive purchases of plate on his accession, including these coolers and stands, but continued buying throughout his life.  The sale of the Lonsdale plate in 1947 records ten soup tureens acquired during his time as Earl, to supplement at least six earlier ones in the family collection, plus another pair probably acquired from Queen Charlotte's sale in 1818.  He was one of the five great patrons of plate who acquired versions of Flaxman's "Shield of Achilles" from Rundell, Bridge, and Rundell – putting him in the company of George IV, his Royal brothers the Dukes of York and Cumberland, and the Duke of Northumberland; the Lonsdale shield belongs today to the National Trust at Anglesey Abbey.