The Stowe Sale: A Set of Six Early Victorian Silver-gilt Salts, John Houle, London, 1837

bombé circular, the everted lobed rim with shells alternating with athemions at intervals, the sides applied with ribbon-tied swags of fruit and flowers spaced by lion heads from which paw feet descend, each engraved with duke's coronet above "B&C."

Possibly Richard, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (1776-1839)
Richard Plantagenet, 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (1797-1861)
Stowe sale, 1848, probably Day 18, part of lots 421 and 422
Sotheby's London, February 28, 1991, lot 68

two with salt stains to interior, most with feet slightly pushed up into bases but not through, slight wear to gilding at high spots, otherwise good condition
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.

At the end of his life the 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos was finally forced to realize the financial straits occasioned by his extravagance.  A series of sales began in 1833, and he spent two years travelling abroad to save money.  It is more likely, then, that these salts were acquired by his heir Richard Plantagenet, 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos.

The 2nd Duke was a figure of legendary grandeur and extravagance.   Despite the debts he inherited in 1839, he ran and refurbished Stowe in the grandest manner, culminating in a state visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845.  By this point he was alread in debt £1.1 million, "the greatest debtor in the world."  Unfortunately, the sale of the contents of Stowe in 1848 would realize only £75,500.