A William III silver and ivory tankard, William Penstone, London, 1699

cylindrical form standing on a turned ivory base, the body and cover later chased in relief with infant bacchanals carousing with a goat in a forest setting, the cover with ivory insert and later acanthus embellished scroll thumb-piece, the handle engraved 'Purchased at the Sale of the Effects of Long Wellesley, Wanstead, June, 1822' between a coat-of-arms and a crest

The Wanstead Sale, 17 June 1822, lot 330
Christies London, 13 June 2000, lot 117

Ivory later added when body and cover were later embossed, probably early 19th century. Silver strengthening strap fitted to interior at seam between handled junctions, 2cm. high. The chasing is fairly crude with a little wear to the high points of the decoration. The ivory with a few small hairline cracks. Otherwise good.
"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."

The arms are those of Wellesley-Pole, with Tylney-Long in pretence, for the Hon. William Wellesley-Pole, who married Catherine Tylney-Long, of Wanstead House, Essex.

Wanstead House, one of the great stately homes of the 18th century, was inherited by Catherine Tylney-Long, as the only child of Sir James Long, Baronet, of Draycot, Wiltshire, in 1805. As the sole heir Catherine also received a fortune of £300,000 and the enormous income of £40,000 per annum. In 1812 she married William, nephew of the Duke of Wellington and 2nd Earl of Mornington, who following their marriage, set about refurbishing the house and grounds. His political ambition and social aspirations led to huge outgoings on furniture and works of art, resulting in the unavoidable sale of the house and contents in 1822 when her immense fortune and been squandered. The auction was conducted by Mr Robins of Regent Street and ran for an unprecedented 32 days between June 10th and July 23rd. The present tankard was lot 330 in this sale, then described as 'A costly Tankard and cover, in matted silver, beautifully chased with Bacchanalian Boys and Satyrs Dancing, Goats, &c. mounted in Ivory, with massive handle'.