A VICTORIAN SILVER PRESENTATION VASE, SMITH, NICHOLSON & CO, LONDON, 1854

the circular base supporting a central column flanked by ferns and exotic plants below the compressed circular bowl, applied on one side with a cast vignette of native figures in a Maori village, the cast handles in the form of seated female figures representing Justice and Industry, the foot inscribed: 'SMITH NICHOLSON & CO DUKE STREET LINCOLNS INN FIELDS LONDON'

William Brown, Auckland, New Zealand, and Bayswater, London

The Southern Cross, Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, 18 May 1855, p. 3

Overall condition good, with a few minor dents to the body; the applied vacant cartouche on one side has an erased inscription and several dents; two pieces of fern have been broken off; the sword of Justice is bent a little, as is the top of a front held by Industry; the vase has been lacquered, much of which has now worn off.
"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."

This vase, together with a salver (now missing) was presented by his supporters to William Brown (1809/10-1898), the noted Scottish-born New Zealand merchant, writer, newspaper proprietor, politician and provincial superintendent, at the Odd Fellow's Hall, Auckland, on Wednesday, 16 May 1855.

The original inscription, which has since been erased, read as follows: 'PRESENTED TO WILLIAM BROWN, ESQ., of the Province of Auckland, New Zealand, by a numerous body of his fellow colonists, as a tribute of respect for his PRIVATE CHARACTER AND MORAL WORTH, as a token of gratitude for the unwearied public efforts which for many years he has so fearlessly made on behalf of the settlers of this province, careless alike of his personal interests, and of the attacks which have been made upon him more particularly during his late contest for the superintency of the Province of Auckland by those interested in the the misgovernment he has opposed, January 18, 1854.'