A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL SMALL BASIN CIRCA 1790

painted in the center with the arms of Townley as used by the Chase family of Annapolis, Maryland.

Gordon, 1977, p. 140, pl. 126

Has been broken into two pieces almost equal in size and glued back together.
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 arms are those of Lady Margaret Townley, wife of Richard Chase of Annapolis, Maryland, Aunt of Justice Samuel Chase (1741-1811), one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It is unclear whether the service was made for Samuel Chase or inherited by him, but his armorial bookplate also used the Townley arms, so the former possibilty is most likely, given the relatively late date of the service. The majority of this extensive service is now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. A small platter was sold at Christie's, New York, May 21, 2003, lot 112.