A VICTORIAN SILVER PRESENTATION PILGRIM BOTTLE AND COVER, WIlliam BATEMAN FOR RUNDELL, BRIDGE & CO., London, 1838

on spreading oval foot, the flask-shaped lobed body armorial engraved on one side and inscribed on the other within scrolling foliate cartouches, further applied roses and thistles and military and agricultural trophies below winged lion mask handles fitted with a chain of curved links, the detachable cover surmounted by a cast military trophy finial including two flags, a wreath and a helmet

George Harbin of Newton Surmaville, near Yeovil, Somerset, 1838, and thence by descent

Gordon Nares, 'Newton Surmaville, Somerset, The Home of Mrs. Bates Harbin,' parts I, II and III, Country Life, London, 5, 12 and 19 September 1952, pp. 676-79, 760-63 and 844-47.

Some dents to the engraved panel, good hallmarks and crisp decoration, in overall good 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. 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 Harbin of Newton Surmaville, Somerset, as granted to Robert Harbin Esq. in 1618.

The inscription reads To George Harbin Esqre. Captain Commandant of the Late Mudford Independent Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry from the time of its enrolment in 1830 until it was disbanded in 1838. To unwearied diligence in promoting the efficiency and inflexible firmness in maintaining The Discipline of the Corps united the urbanity of a gentleman and the kindness of a friend This Piece of Plate is Presented by the Members of his Troop and in selecting this Magnum they indulge the hope that it will in the Family of Captain Harbin long continue to minister to the genuine Old English Hospitality which they have so often experienced from him at Newton House.

George Harbin (1800-1880), son of William Harbin (1762-1823) and his wife, Rhoda, youngest daughter of Edward Phelips of Montacute, succeeded to the Newton Surmaville estate upon the death of his unmarried uncle, Wyndham Harbin (1761-1837). During his long residence at Newton, Mr Harbin devoted himself to running the estate and maintaining the house, to which he made a number of sympathetic changes in the 1860s and 1870s. The largely unaltered interior, with its dark oak panelling and 17^th Century furniture, was until recently filled with tapestries, silver and other works of art. There were also several reminders of the Mudford Independent Troop of Yeomanry, including a silver-mounted earthenware 'riot jug,' helmets and a pair of kettledrums. The Troop itself had been raised by George Harbin in response to rioting in Yeovil, nearby Mudford and locality which had greeted the House of Commons' opposition to the Reform Bill, which was eventually passed in 1832 after two years' uncertainty and turmoil.

William Bateman, great-grandson of Hester Bateman, became principal manufacturing silversmith to the royal goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge & Co. about 1834 upon the closure of the latter's own workshops at 75 and 76 Dean Street, Soho. Bateman, joined in partnership by Daniel Ball to trade as Bateman & Ball, continued in this capacity until the spring of 1843, shortly before Rundell's closure. Many important items were prepared in the Bateman workshops for Rundell's, including the magnificent silver-gilt table plateau of 1834 for the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths upon the opening of its new Hall.