GEORGE III COPPER CHOCOLATE OR COFFEE POT, ATTRIBUTED TO BENJAMIN HARBESON, PHILADELPHIA, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Generally good. Wear from polish. Minor surface marks and scratches from age and use. Residual polish to interior. Losses to polish and surface on handle. Split to seem of spout with mishapen mouth. Wear and dents to edges.
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.

For comparison see a rare signed example by Harbeson in the collection of The Philadelphia Museum of Art. This is illustrated, The Magazine Antiques, August 1978, p. 280.

There is an extant trade label for Harbeson engraved by Henry Dawkins circa 1776 in The Henry Francis de Pont Collection at the Winterthur Museum. This is fascinating as Dawkins reproduces a model, identical to the offered lot, within a scrolled rococo cartouche, along side other wares produced by Harbeson to promote the business. See The American Art Journal, "Metalwork," May, 1975, p. 101.