A pair of Scottish silver-gilt presentation wine coolers, Robert Gray & Son, Glasgow, 1841

of French Regence style, the bodies and bases chased with panels of foliate strapwork against a matted ground, both sides centered by a conforming cartouche, one side engraved with a presentation inscription, with detachable matching collars and fixed liners

McFarlan, Gordon. "Robert Gray and Son: Goldsmiths of Glasgow," The Silver Society Journal, No. 11, Autumn 1999, pp. 211-223.

later gilding, gilding rubbed at high spots, the collars with slightly dented base rims, overall 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.

The presentation inscription reads: "Presented to James Lumsden Esquire of Yoker Lodge by a number of political friends in testimony of their approbation of his zealous & able exertions in the cause of reform Glasgow MDCCCXLI."

An 1841 figural centerpiece by Mortimer and Hunt is engraved with an identical presentation inscription.

According to the Biographical Register of the St. Andrew's Society of the State of New York (William M. MacBean):
Lord Provost James Lumsden, son of James Lumsden, was born in Argyle Street, Glasgow, November 13, 1788 [he died in 1856]. He became well known as a stationer and for nearly forty years was connected with the municipal affairs of Glasgow, in which he took a deep interest. From 1843 to 1846 he served the city of Glasgow as its Lord Provost. For nineteen years he acted as honorary Treasurer to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary in the grounds of which there has been erected a monument to him by Mossman. During his reign as Lord Provost was founded the School of Design.

The account also mentions Lumsden's visit to King Louis Philippe of France in the 1840s, as part of a delegation from Glasgow.  When asked by a Town Councillor if he spoke French or English with the King, Lumsden replied, "I spoke gude braid Scotch."