A SET OF TWELVE GEORGE III SILVER SALT CELLARS, ROBERT GARRARD, LONDON, 1814 |

in George II style and of unusually large size, the compressed circular bodies each applied with four cast festoons of flowers between as many lion mask, paw and bun supports, the undersides engraved with a crest below a marquess's coronet, complete with twelve detachable silver liners with gilt interiors, the salts and liners numbered 1 to 12 

Thomas Thynne, 2nd Marquess of Bath (1765-1837) and then by descent to
John Alexander Thynne, 4th Marquess of Bath (1831-1896) and then by descent at Longleat
Christie's, London, Furniture, Porcelain and Silver from Longleat, 13 June 2002, lot 449

Robert Garrard's Gentleman's Ledger, 1811-1817, fol. 309 (Victoria and Albert Museum, Archive of Art and Design. MS SD.95.0050)
2nd Marquess of Bath, Heirlooms, 1896 Inventory of Plate: 'Twelve circular salts on feet heavily chased with fruit and lion mask heads.'

Excellent size, gauge and weight. All clear marked to the undersides. The detachable silver-gilt liners also clearly part-marked (all marks excluding town mark). Each incuse stamped to the underside of liner and inside of the bodies with concurrent numbers. Later engraved with further matching numbers. When the liner's are removed some of the feet look pressed in but this does not show on the exterior due to the manner of their construction. The extrerior decoration is a little worn but good for age. No obvious repairs. Very good overall.
"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 crest and coronet are those of Thynne, Marquesses of Bath for Thomas Thynne, 2nd Marquess of Bath (1765-1837), who succeeded to the title upon the death of his father in 1796. He was Tory M.P. for Weobley from 1786 to 1790, for Bath from 1790 to 1796 and Lord Lieutenant for Somerset from 1819 until his death. He married on 24 April 1794 in Brook Street, Hanover Square, Isabella Elizabeth (1773-1830), third daughter and coheir of George Byng, Viscount Torrington.  The entry for these salts in Robert Garrard's Gentleman's Ledger, 1811-1817, fol. 309 (Victoria and Albert Museum, Archive of Art and Design. MS SD.95.0050), is as follows:
'The Marquis of Bath
'1814
'July 15
'12 large festoon salts w^t lions masks 160oz 5dwt  8/6  £124 16s 2d
'12 linings for ditto with gilt interiors 29oz  4s  £24 8s 2d
'Eng^r 49 crests & coronets  £2 9s.'