An Edward VII silver-gilt and mother of pearl inkwell, maker's mark of Catchpole & Williams Ltd. as retailers, London, 1910

inspired by a James I silver shell-shaped spice box, on three snail supports below formal foliate borders, the sides and lid set with mother of pearl panels, the hinged lid surmounted by a seated cherub illustrative of writing above leafage, the interior with detachable glass inkwell under an inscribed panel

Good clear marks to cover and base. Heavy gauge object of good quality and condition. Slight loss of gilding in places, mainly internal.
"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 inscription reads: 'N [below a baron's coronet] from Mary N [below a baron's coronet] / Pearl Wedding / 1880 May 24 1910'

The inscription refers to the 30th wedding anniversary of Sir James Henry Cecil Hozier, 2nd Baron Newlands (1851-1929) and his wife, Mary Louisa Wellesley (1857-1930), 2nd daughter of William Alleyne Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Exeter. He was the son and heir of William Wallace Hozier of Newlands, Glasgow and Mauldslie Castle, Lanarkshire, who was created a baronet in 1890, further elevated in 1898 as Baron Newlands and died at Mauldslie Castle on 30 January 1906, leaving an estate in Scotland valued at over £1.5 million. His son, the second Baron Newlands, held various official posts including that of private secretary to the Marquess of Salisbury when Foreign Secretary (1878-1880) and again when Prime Minister (1885-1886).

The couple’s wedding took place at St. Thomas’s Church, Orchard Street, Portman Square, London on 24 May 1880. ‘The bride came with her father, who afterwards gave her away, and was received at the door by her six bridesmaids . . . the bride’s dress was of cream satin, draped with antique Brussels point, wreath of orange blossoms fastened with diamond sprays, and Brussels lace veil. Her jewels were a pearl necklace, diamond pendant and earrings, diamond arrow brooch, diamond bracelet, gold horseshoe bracelet, a pearl and diamond bracelet presented to her on the occasion of her marriage by the tenants and neighbours of Stamford. . . . After the registration of the marriage the wedding party went to the Marquis and Marchioness of Exeter’s residence in Hereford Gardens to breakfast. In the afternoon the newly-wedded couple left for Bisbrook Hall, the residence of the Hon. William C. and Lady Victoria Evans-Freake at Uppingham.’ (The Merthyr Telegraph, Merthyr Tydfil, Friday, 28 May 1880, p. 3g)