A George III silver pagoda Epergne, Thomas Pitts, London, 1762

on cast openwork base supporting a central pierced boat-shaped basket with engraved coat-of-arms and cartouche below four detachable columns supporting a pierced pagoda canopy hung with eight bells, pineapple finial, complete with eight detachable branches and four shaped circular dishes and four similar hanging baskets

Probably Matthew Wise of Warwick Priory, Warwickshire, and thence by descent to
Sir Wathen Arthur Waller, 5^th Bt., sold Christie's, London, 2 January 1946
W.L. Wood Esq and thence by descent

Fully hallmarked on base, large central basket and pagoda cover, each basket and scroll branch part-marked (with lion passant and maker's mark), the four upright supports are unmarked but numbered and certainly original, marks all good and clear; some clear glue is visible on the top leaves of the pineapple finial where is has been repaired; overall the condition is excellent and the 'pagoda' form is very rare
"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 arms are those of Wise of Warwick Priory, Warwickshire, formerly of Brompton Park, Middlesex, presumably for Matthew, eldest son of Henry Wise (1653?-1738), the eminent gardener, landscaper and nurseryman who for many years worked at Brompton Nursery, the site of which is now covered by the South Kensington museums and the Albert Hall. Henry Wise, who had a hand in creating Kensington Gardens and the gardens at Hampton Court, Chelsea Hospital, Longleat and elsewhere, was appointed Royal Gardener under both Queen Anne and George I. In 1709 he purchased the old estate of Warwick Priory which he bequeathed to his son, Matthew. The latter died a bachelor in 1776 after which the Priory eventually passed to George, son of Henry Christopher Wise, sometime M.P. for South Warwickshire, who died without issue in 1883. Thereafter the estate passed to Major-General Sir George Henry Waller, 3^rd Bt of Woodcote, whose mother, Catherine (d. 1861) was the eldest daughter of the Rev. Henry Wise of Offchurch, Warwickshire. Sir George, who died in 1892, was succeed by his son, Sir Francis Ernest Waller, 4^th Bt, who was killed in action in 1914, who in turn was succeeded by his brother, Sir Wathen Arthur Waller, 5^th Bt. The latter, who died on 26 April 1947, sold his collection of silver, including the present epergne, at Christie's, London, on 2 January 1946.