A large Victorian silver-gilt and glass centrepiece, Elkington & Co, Birmingham, 1870

heavily cast and chased, triform base rising to ram's head terminals, incorporating anthemion, foliate swage, masks and a central spirit lamp, the base engraved with a presentation inscription 'PRESENTED TO / FREDERICK SMITH SHENSTONE ESQUIRE / 3^{RD JANUARY 1871', contemporary cut glass dish etched with anthemion and classical male and female masks in laurel leaf roundels}

The contemporary cut glass dish has a couple very minor chips to the rin; overall condition excellent. For further queries regarding this lot 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."

Frederick Smith Shenstone of Sutton Hall, Barcombe, near Lewes, Sussex, was born in 1824, the younger son of Richard Smith of the Priory, Dudley, near Wolverhampton. He was educated at Rugby and St. John's College, Oxford, and later studied for the law, being called to the bar in 1847. He assumed the additional surname of Shenstone upon inheriting Shenstone Hall in Staffordshire.  Shortly afterwards, at the close of 1870, he resigned as chief mining agent for the Earl of Dudley in South Staffordshire and West Worcestershire, a post he had held since 1864. As a result a banquet was held in Mr Smith Shenstone's honour on 3 January 1871 at the Public Hall of the Mechanics' Institute, Dudley, at which the chairman, Lord Dudley, presented him with a testimonial, 'which consisted of a silver gilt vase, and four fruit and flower stands, manufactured by Messrs. Elkington, Birmingham, the whole weighing 1,000 ounces and costing £750. The uncovering of the testimonial was performed amid loud and prolonged cheering.' (The Birmingham Daily Post, Birmingham, Wednesday, 4 January 1871, p.  8c)

Frederick Smith Shenstone was married on 6 February 1873 by the Archbishop of York at St. George's, Hanover Square, to Augusta Emma Grace, eldest daughter of Captain Hambley Knapp of 39 Brook Street, Mayfair. Guests included the Earl of Dudley, Viscountess Cawdor, H.H. the Nawab Nizam of Bengal, Prince Sulieman of Shastapsh and others. He died at the age of 92 in 1916.