A massive Regency silver-gilt two-handled tray, Paul Storr, London, 1814

oval, on four shell feet headed by grapevine, the openwork grapevine border with flowerhead rim, entwined snake-form handles, center engraved with arms and supporters

The Lillian and Morrie Moss Collection
Garrard, London, 1981

Morrie A. Moss, The Lillian and Morrie Moss Collection of Paul Storr Silver, 1972, pp. 240-241, illus. Plate 178

gilding rubbed at high spots, the snake handles with chasing rubbed in spots, overall in very good crisp condition
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 Bruce quartering Brudenell and impaling Noel-Hill, for Charles, 2nd Earl and 1st Marquess of Ailesbury, b.1772 and his first wife Henrietta Maria, daughter of Noel, 1st Lord Berwick of Attingham, whom he married in 1793. In 1821 he was created Viscount Savernake, Earl Bruce and Marquess of Ailesbury. He was the son of Thomas, 1st Earl, K.T. who succeeded by special limitation to the Barony of Bruce of Tottenham on the death of his uncle, Charles, 4th Earl of Elgin and 3rd Earl of Ailesbury. The latter in 1761 married Susanna, daughter and co-heir of Henry Hoare of Stourhead, Wilts. and relict of Viscount Dungarvan. Charles was M.P. for Marlborough in five parliaments 1796-1814, Colonel in the Wilts. Militia 1811-27, K.T. 1819. His first wife died in 1831 and he married in 1833 at Ham House, Maria  Elizabeth, 2nd daughter of the Hon Charles Tollemache, 3rd son of suo jure Countess of Dysart. The marquess died at Tottenham Park in 1856. His widow, who was born in 1809 died at the age of 83 in 1893. Known as the “evergreen Maria Marchioness, sprightly, gay and universally popular, was a constant frequenter of London parties and country race courses, and was to be seen in Hyde Park with flaxen hair (or wig) driving two ponies, generally preceded by two outriders.” (The Complete Peerage) The house Tottenham Park is now owned by the Earl of Cardigan.

The engraving may be attributed to Walter Jackson, apprenticed to John Thompson of Gutter Lane, who became free in 1801 and worked for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. In 1815, he took an apprentice Samuel Jackson, possibly a nephew, who became free in 1822 and continued the business. Walter became a liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company in 1824 and died in 1834 (see Charles Oman, English Engraved Silver 1150-1900).