An Important Spanish Colonial silver tureen, cover and stand, Miguel Guerra, Guatemala, circa 1780-90

bombé circular, half fluted, and raised on tall riveted shellwork feet headed by three dimensional flowerheads, the ropework handles terminate in sprays of fully-modeled flowers and leaves, the body engraved with italic initials GZ, the cover with rippled shellwork rim and matching finial, the stand with radially fluted center, scalloped rim, and grapevine handles

Lacks liner, a rectangular patch inside body- probably original, the handles of the stand with repairs and one leaf possibly replaced.
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 is one of the largest items, other than trays, of early secular silver known at this time from the colonial period in Guatemala. It shares characteristics of this maker and others of the period- the subtle fluting, ropework handles and the bold fully-modeled flowerheads. See Cristina Esteras Martin, La Plateria en el Reino de  Guatemala, for a dulcera by Gregorio de Avila, item 70, pp. 182-3, other dulceras without maker’s mark, items 71 and 72, pp. 184-187. The distinctive grapevine handles on the stand are very close to the handles on a tray by Guerra, item 91, p. 24.