A Set of Twelve George III Silver Dinner Plates, Thomas and Joseph Guest, London, 1805

circular with molded gadroon rims, the borders engraved with contemporary arms and supporters, marked on undersides, numbered and with scratch weights

lightly buffed but not as strongly to borders, decent weight , 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.
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 Russell for John Russell, 6th Duke of Bedford (1766-1839).  He succeeded as Duke in March 1802, upon the death of his brother Francis.  He married firstly in 1786 the  Hon. Georgiana Elizabeth Byng, second daughter of George Byng, 4th Viscount Torrington, and secondly in June, 1803 Lady Georgiana Gordon, daughter of Alexander, 4th Duke of Gordon.

The 6th Duke actively expanded the family plate collection.  He purchased four Neoclassical wine coolers by Paul Storr, marked for 1803 (see Arthur Grimwade, "Family SIlver of Three Centuries," Apollo, December 1965, fig. 9).  Like the offered plates, these display only the Russell arms despite his marriage that year.  Both items may have been used during the Duke's terms as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1806-7).  Storr was also responsible for a set of four two-light candelabra of 1807 (ibid., fig. 8) and a pair of large meat platters of 1802 (sold Sotheby's, New York, Oct. 19, 1995, lot 365), while Richard Cooke created a pair of elegant neoclassical wine jugs of 1802 still at Woburn (Grimwade, fig. 11).