A pair of Royal Ducal George IV silver-gilt wine coolers, Robert Garrard I, London, 1816

each side applied with Royal Ducal coat of arms above applied acanthus and flowers and below grapevine, the reeded acanthus-capped handles terminating in Bacchic masks, with gilt metal liner and collar

H.R.H. William Frederick, 2nd Duke of Gloucester (1776-1834)
H.R.H. George, 2nd Duke of Cambridge (1819-1904)
Sold Christie's, London, June 6-7, 1904, "Catalogue of the Valuable Collection of Old English and Foreign Silver & Silver Gilt Plate of His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge", lot 262, 263, 264 or 265

one with shallow dent to foot rim, one with bubble to interior behing applied arms (not visible when liner & collar in place), collars with some minor denting to rims, a few minor dings throughout, gilding rubbed in some spots, otherwise good
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.

The arms are those of H.R.H. William Frederick, 2nd Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, and 1st Earl of Connaught.  He was the only son of the 1st Duke of Gloucester, himself the 3rd son of Frederick, Prince of Wales and so younger brother to George III, and his wife Maria Walpole.  

In 1816 he married his first cousin Princess Mary, fourth daughter of George III.  The set of eight coolers by Garrard were delivered the same year.  The form is based on the Medici krater, illustrated in Piranesi's Vasi, and a related drawing is in the Rundell's album at the Victoria & Albert Museum.   Coolers from the set were sold Christie's, London, October 17, 1962, lot 102, and from the Davis Collection, Toronto, Christie's, New York, October 19, 2001, lot 231.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester lived at Bagshott Park, near Windsor, and devoted themselves to charitable and philanthropic causes; both bride and groom were over 40 and there were no children.  The coolers were inherited by their relative H.R.H. George, 2nd Duke of Cambridge, Commander in Chief of the Army and Field Marshall, and were included in the sale of plate after his death.