A Dutch silver soup tureen and cover, Gregorius van der Toorn, The Hague, 1756

oval, engraved with a coat of arms, silver plated liner

Christie's London, 23-26 April 1976, lot 354.

some wear to highlights, colour a bit bright, minor surface scratches commensurate with age. clear hallmarks. substantial size and weight. overall good condition liner with some wear along rims and edges, copper can be visible but 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. 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."

Gregory van der Toorn was born in 1715 and became master in 1738. It has been recently discovered that he died on 10 June 1771, and not 1768 as assumed for a long time (De Haagse zilversmedenfamilie Van der Toorn, unpublished). With his wife, connected to the silversmith Reynier de Haan, they had six children, among whom two, Pieter and Johannes, became silversmiths. Gregorius was one of the most prolific silversmiths in the Hague, and his works show that he was one of the best masters of the Hague. The shapes he created were beautiful and his execution faultless' (J.W. Frederiks, Dutch silver, vol. 2, The Hague, 1958, p. 169).

The coat of arms engraved on this tureen remains unidentified.