A set of four George II silver butter shells, Richard Gosling, London, 1738

each of scallop shell form, engraved with a crest and armorials within a rococo cartouche

Each fully hallmarked on the reverse, marks slightly worn but all still visible, generally in good overall 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 Holt impaling Washington for Rowland Holt of Redgrave, Suffolk, who married Elizabeth Washington, a cousin of George Washington, first President of the United States, in 1718. The same arms appear on a cake basket by John White of the same year in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (see E. Alfred Jones, Old Plate of William Francis Farrer, 1924, plate LXVII.), as well as on a hatchment in Redgrave Church. The distinctive pattern of stars and stripes on the Washington coat of arms was said to have been the inspiration for the flag of the United States. Rowland Holt was nephew of Sir John Holt, Lord Chief Justice and Privy Councillor to William III and Queen Anne.