A William IV silver Royal seal box, John Bridge for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, London, 1830

the cover embossed with the Royal Arms and supporters within an oak border, later engraved "The Honble.John Walpole, died 1859," the interior later fitted with a silver-topped glass inkwell and flanking compartments by Thomas William Dee & Sons, London, 1860

good condition, as noted re: slightly later interior fittings
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.

Lieutenant Colonel the Hon. John Walpole (1787-1859) was the fourth son of Horatio, 2nd Earl of Orford by his first wife Sophia Churchill.  He served as Counsel-General in Santiago, Chile, from the 1830's to 1841.  Charles Darwin was in the city in 1834 and wrote home, "I called on Col. Walpole, but he was in bed—or said so."