A Victorian iron bound oak plate chest, mid-19th century

of typical form, with brass plaque engraved His Excellency / R^t H^ble Earl of Dalhousie / N^o 12

Attractive and when cleaned and polished an attractive object. There are residual marks and scratches and some stains to the piece. The brass plaque is tarnished. Originally the interior with a pull-out tray and possibly lined completely with baise. The hasps with some rust and losses to black paint as well as some losses from this wear. The rear hinge with old damage and some fragmenting to wood, this should be easy to repair. A good, functional souvenir of Lord Dalhousie's time in India which exhibits the wear one would expect of being transported long distances.
"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."

Lord Dalhousie was outraged at the conditions of his new quarters in Kolkata, commenting in a letter to his friend and confidant Sir George Couper, dated 1848, 'the plate and table equipage very poor. I can't afford to spend money on plate, but I think the deficiency in plate and in the inferiority of table decoration would be very much remedied, if I had the means of setting plants, as is done at Buckingham Palace and elsewhere in London.' (Ed. J. G. A. Baird, Private letters of Marquess of Dalhousie, London, 1910, p. 28). It is possible the present plate chest made the voyage to India to address this very issue. A further Dalhousie plate chest, marked No. 3, was sold Christie's, Hopetoun House, 19 and 20 July 1993, lot 56.