A Chinese Export Armorial Ewer and Cover Circa 1725

with the arms of Boothby quartering Scrimshire impaling Clopton, mounted with a later silver hinge and thumbpiece.

Gordon, 1977, p. 30, pl. 6

The cover has been broken and restored – the restoration is old and discolored. The end section covering the spout has been made up and there are also possibly other made up losses under the restoration. The spout of the jug is restored and may be partly made up. There is heavy fritting to the edge of the handle which has been lightly filled and restored over. The pink and white enamel on the arms is very thick and has misfired with a rough surface.
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.

Howard, 1974, Vol. I, p. 203, no. D2 illustrates a plate from this service.  The service was made for Sir Hugh Clopton of Stratford on Avon, who was a descendent of Sir Hugh Clopton, the Lord Mayor of London in 1491. Clopton built a house in Stratford in 1483 which was later purchased by Shakespeare and is where the famous author died.