A George II silver-gilt caddy set, Paul de Lamerie, circa 1732

quadrangular form with incurved angles, engraved with shells within strapwork and diaperwork, crest and coat of arms below an earl's coronet, the sliding covers with folding finials, one initialled B, one initialled G, the third engraved with bust of man and woman, maker's mark only on two, the third unmarked

Sotheby's Park Bernet Los Angeles, 21 October 1973, lot 36
Sotheby's New York, 22 April 1998, lot 40

maker's mark only on two, the third one unmarked. overall good condition and crisp engraving.
"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."

The arms are those of Spencer impaling Trevor for Charles Spencer, 5th Earl of Sunderland (1706-1758) who was married on 23 May 1732 to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Trevor, 2nd Baron Trevor.  Lord Sunderland, as 3rd Duke, succeeded to the honours of his grandfather, John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, upon the death on 24 October 1733 of his aunt, Henrietta, Duchess of Marlborough. He had a distinguished career in the army and was briefly Lord Privy Seal in 1755.

These caddies, which are struck with de Lamerie’s fourth mark, entered on 27 March 1732, almost certainly date from about the time of Lord and Lady Sunderland’s marriage in May 1732. The male and female profiles engraved on one of the sliding covers would appear to be a reference to the newlywed couple. Other examples of engraved profiles representing real individuals, as opposed to mythological or historical figures, have been noted on a pair of silver salvers, Ebenezer Coker, London, 1772 (Sotheby’s, London, 22 November 1984, lot 76). They are thought to have been a 50th wedding anniversary present to Mr and Mrs Peter Lehoup, with whose coat-of-arms they are each engraved within a border of drapery, urns and profiles. The latter show the couple in young and old age.

The remarkable de Lamerie silver-gilt rococo inkstand, London, 1738, which is in the possession of the present Duke of Marlborough, was probably also made for the 3rd Duke (Paul de Lamerie, The Work of England’s Master Silversmith, exhibition catalogue, Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, 1990, p. 145, no. 94)