A matched set of twenty-four George III silver dinner plates, Abraham Taylor and John Robins, London, 1776

shaped circular with gadrooned rims, engraved with a coat-of-arms below a bishops mitre, undersides engraved with numbers and scratchweights

Good clear marks. Typical surface wear with light scratching to centres.
"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 the Bishopric of Derry impaling Hervey for Frederick Augustus Hervey (1730-1803), third son of Lord John Hervey (1696-1743) and one of the grandsons of John Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol (1665-1751). Educated at Westminster School and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, he subsequently took Holy Orders and became Chaplain to George III. In 1767 he was elected Bishop of Cloyne and then the following year was translated to the see of Derry, where he served as Lord Bishop until his death. Hervey became 7th Earl of Bristol upon the death of his brother, Augustus John Hervey, 6th Earl of Bristol (1724-1779), whose putative wife was the notorious Duchess of Kingston.