Lot 128
  • 128

A pair of George II silver-gilt cups and covers, Thomas Heming, London, 1757

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • 30.5cm, 12in high
campana vase-shaped, spirally quilted and waved bodies applied with fruiting grapevines and flies resting on leaves, the handles modelled as serpent- and vine-coiled branches, armorial-engraved and crested, numbered and with scratchweights N1 56=13 and N2 57=15

Provenance

The arms and crests are those of Stuart for John, 3rd Earl of Bute KG (1713-92).
Works of Art from the Bute Collection, sold by order of the Executors and the Trustees of the Residue Funds of the 6th Marquess of Bute, Christie's, London, 3rd July 1997, lot 78

Condition

Marks clear to bodies and covers, finials unmarked. Wear to gilding with a whitish appearance in depressions. One with splits at join of stem and body due to being pushed in slightly and a repair to cover with a 5cm section of the rim replaced. The other with ill-fitting finial to cover and stem pushed into body.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Educated at Eton, the 3rd Earl of Bute was knighted 10 July 1738 at Holyrood House and later held the offices of Lord of the Bedchamber to Frederick, Prince of Wales, 1750-1; Groom of the Stole to George, Prince of Wales, 1756-60; Secretary of State for the North, 1761-2; Prime Minister, 1761-62; and Ranger of Richmond Park, 1761 until his death. He was also a trustee of the British Museum from 1765. In 1736 he married Mary, only daughter of Edward Wortley-Montagu, of Wortley, co. York, who was in 1761 created suo jure Baroness Mount Stuart of Wortley. After retiring from politics, Lord Bute purchased the estate of Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire, for £94,700, with additional sums going to expanding the park to 1,200 acres and rebuilding the house to the designs of Robert Adam.

The Earl of Chesterfield remarked on the 3rd Earl, 'he had honour, honesty, and good intentions. He was too proud to be respectable or respected. Too cold and silent to be amiable, too cunning to have great ability, and his inexperience made him to preciptately undertake what it disabled him from executing.'