Two Similar Victorian Silver "Elizabethan Pattern" Ewers, Alfred Ivory, London retailed by Elkington & Co./ James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, 1875 / 1894

each of vase form, chased with masks, caryatids, and animals within strapwork and foliage against a matted ground, one with oval reserve engraved with arms, both applied with male masks below spouts and with caryatid handles, necks engraved with presentation inscriptions

Dixon ewer with handle detached, otherwise 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 inscriptions read: "To Emil Berkh Esqre. from His True and Sincere Friend Carl Haag August 12 1875" and "E.R. Mansell from J.H.G. 1885."

Carl Haag (1820-1915) was a German-born painter, who was considered one if the most influential Orientalists of his time.  He trained in Nuremberg, before spending time in Munich and Brussels where he painted portraits and architectural landscapes.  In 1847 he relocated to England in order to study English watercolor techniques, and three years later he exhibited at the Society of Painters in Water-Colors.  He was elected a member of the Society in 1853, the same year he was commissioned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to paint two large watercolors of deerstalking expeditions at Balmoral in Scotland.  Also at the request of Queen Victoria he travelled to Egypt where in 1859 he was the first artist to paint the Dome of the Rock.