Benjamin Cheverton (1794-1876) After a model by Matthew Noble (1817-1876) British, 19th century

The Hon. James Michael Edward Bruce C.B.E (1927-2013), second son of Edward Bruce, 10^th Earl of Elgin and 14^th Earl of Kincardine (1881-1968)

Overall the condition of the ivory is very good, with minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is minor stable hairline splitting to the ivory consistent with the material, in particular to the top of the head, to the proper left shoulder, and to the proper right shoulder at the back. There are a few very minor nicks, in particular to the top of the head. The bust revolves on the ivory socle. The marble column is in very good condition with minor wear to the edges and corners. There is wear to the velvet top of the base. There is also some general wear to the ebonised wood base, including some minor areas of loss to the paintwork and nicks and scratches. There are also several minor nicks and scratches to the glass dome, and small chips around the bottom edge. The bottom edge is lined with paper.
"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 8th Earl of Elgin was the son of the famous 7th Earl, who procured the Parthenon Marbles for the British Museum. He was a distinguished Imperial governor, eventually rising to become Viceroy of India between 1862 and 1863. Controversially, in 1860, he ordered the destruction of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing during the Second Opium War between China and Britain and France.