An Irish Silver Tea Urn in French Empire Style, J. Smith, Dublin, circa 1835

in French Empire taste, the ovoid form body engraved with contemporary arms above vertical lobes, the neck applied with a band of oak, grapevine, roses and reeds below a collar of shamrocks, bold entwined double-serpent handles, the square base with splayed flower and scroll supports, all with borders of palm and acanthus, spigot handle chased with anthemion, plain recessed cover above a removable cylinder for the heating iron

The arms are those of Tighe-Bunbury impaling Lennox for the Right Hon. William Frederick Fownes Tighe (1794-1878) of Woodstock and his wife  Lady Louisa Madelina Lennox, fifth daughter of Charles, 4th Duke of Richmond and Lennox, whom he married in 1825.  He was J.P. cos. Wexford, Westmeath and Carlow, High Sheriff co. Kilkenny 1823 and co. Carlow 1827, Lord Lieut. and Custos Rotulorum of Kilkenny, Col. Kilkenny Fusiliers and a member of the Privy Council.  Although the couple's home, Woodstock House, was burned in 1922, the gardens which were in part laid out by Lady Lennox have been recently restored and are currently open to the public.

date letter obscured, a little lead below finial on spigot, repair to heating cylinder, otherwise good condition, crisp
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.