A George III Silver-Gilt Two-Handled Tray, Benjamin and James Smith, London, 1810

Phillips, London, 14 July 1978, lot 137

The inscription is of American interest, it reads " This salver was presented by Sir John Lowther Johnstone of Westerhall Bar to Robert Troup Esq in Testimony of his Friendship & Esteem"

College roommates with Alexander Hamilton and friends with Aaron Burr, Robert Troup (1757-1832) had his finger on the pulse of American politics in the late 18th century. After his service in the Revolutionary War, he practiced law and was nominated by George Washington to the position of Judge of the United States District Court in New York. His relationship with Sir John Lowther Johnstone (1783-1811) formed when Troup worked as the agent for Sir William Pulteney’s estates in western New York from 1801 to 1832, a massive and complicated property that also comprised modern day Ontario. Troup as agent dealt directly with Sir Johnstone as he was a cousin with the Pulteneys and was willed Lady Bath’s, Sir William's daughter, portion of the estate.