A parcel-gilt silver casket, probably German or Dutch, circa 1680

raised on four bun feet, the base with a frieze of putti and scrolling foliage and a lobate grotesque mask keyhole on matted ground, the cover set with a plaque embossed and chased with a classical scene, probably that of the death of Germanicus, cover engraved with arms, with a key 

with several small dents to gilt borders of base and cover, a small split to back right edge of base where foot has been pushed in, one nut missing from interior of cover, one nut missing from base, 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.
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.

The feature of putti amongst foliage can be found on a number of English toilet services. Some examples by Bodenick are a pair of toilet boxes, a pair of toilet bottles, and a toilet set illustrated in Vanessa Brett, The Sotheby's Directory of Silver 1600-1940, 1986, p. 132. Another example is the Calverley toilet service made by William Fowle in 1683, illustrated in Michael Clayton, The Collector's Dictionary of the Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, 1971, p. 435.

The English scratch weight on the base suggests that this casket was part of an extensive toilet set.

The arms are those of Gosling, probably for William Gosling, London banker. He died in 1834 leaving all his plate to his second wife, the Hon. Charlotte Gosling [née de Grey, second daughter of Thomas, 2nd Lord Walsingham] but only for her life time. His residual legatee was his son Robert Gosling [1795-1869]. The Gosling banking business continued until it became part of Barclay's Bank in 1896.