Twelve George III silver-gilt fiddle pattern teaspoons, Eley & Fearn, London, 1815

unusually engraved with flowers, foliage and trellis work; together with a pair of similarly engraved silver-gilt sugar tongs, Mary & Eliza Sumner, London, 1813; and a silver-gilt Hourglass pattern cream ladle, Eley, Fearn & Chawner, London, 1810

Overall condition good. Some wears to the gilding commensurate with age; some items appear to have been used more than others. Very finely and charmingly engraved. For further queries please contact the Silver department directly on +44(0)207.293.5100
"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 bowls of the teaspoons and sugar tongs in this lot are engraved with the heraldic device, a pierced ermine cinquefoil, which William Beckford adapted for himself from part of the Hamilton family arms, his mother being Maria, daughter of the Hon. George Hamilton. The crest, a heron's head erased, on the cream ladle is that of Beckford of Fonthill, Wiltshire.