A GEORGE II SILVER LARGE SOUP TUREEN AND COVER, Thomas Heming, London, 1747

oval, on four scroll supports headed by and terminating in shells, applied on each side with elaborate sprays of vegetables centered by cartouches, one crested, the cover embossed with a band of flowers, fruits, shells and vegetables below rococo cartouches, one enclosing later arms, with artichoke finial with spiraled leaves.

finial leaves with splits and repairs, signs of having been soldered, but not obvious when in place, a few nuts missing from underside of cover, later arms in rococo cartouche, signs of removed engraving in vacant cartouches, still large scale and impressive work
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.

This tureen is an early work by Heming, who had been apprenticed to Peter Archambo and entered his mark as a largeworker in 1745, becoming Free of the Goldsmiths Company the following year.  The sprawling leaves of the finial can be compared to those on the tureens Heming made for the "Coronation Service" of George III in 1761, after being appointed Principal Goldsmith to the new king (Royal Collection).