American silver brazier, Jacob Hurd, Boston, circa 1735

the double-bellied bowl pierced with teardrops and rectangles at the tuck-in and with pales and scrolling foliage below the molded rim, supported on three hoof feet rising as open ribs to fluted scroll plate supports at the rim, banded handle socket with turned wood handle, engraved opposite handle with arms in baroque cartouche, the center grille pierced with a rosette and baluster central post of later date, with alternative grille signed U Vitali Sterling

The engraved arms are those of the Cotton or Gardner families.

Kane, Patricia E., Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers, 1998,  p. 592-93. French, 1939. No. 54.

noted re-grille, otherwise in good condition
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.

Kane records two pairs of chafing dishes and eight singles by Jacob Hurd, including this example.  Other patrons of this expensive form included the silversmith Daniel Henchman, Lydia Henchman Hancock, Benjamin and Mary Bowles Lynde, and William Blair.  When William Penn returned to his colony from London in 1699, his list of "Plait Carried to Pennsilvania" included "3 new Chaffen dishes 1 larg / 2 lesser & things to them to / burn Spirits in" (cited in Lindsey 1999 p. 181). A very similar Hurd brazier engraved with the Walker arms was sold Sotheby's, New York, The Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Jeffords, 29 October 2004, lot 680.