A GEORGE III SILVER NEOCLASSICAL SOUP TUREEN, COVER, LINER AND STAND, BENJAMIN LAVER, LONDON, 1784 |

on four hoof feet, each side applied with a plaque engraved with arms, border of entrelac and flowerheads, the sides applied with laurel swags, rams head and ring handles, the cover chased with leaf tips and crested twice, pine cone finial, all on a matching stand with engraved arms

Purchased by the grandfather of the present owner at Stair & Co., New York, November 29, 1940.

marks rubbed on cover, liner with minor dings and scratches from use, overall very good condition, crisp
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 arms are those of Joce or Jorcey impaling probably Story of Knaveton co. Nottingham and Lockington co. Leicester.

This sophisticated piece shows an English take on French neoclassical silver, particularly in the entrelac borders and the athenienne support with its goat feet and stretcher.

The shape of the stand and the entrelac border are very close to those on a tureen by Thomas Heming, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum (illustrated CHristopher Hartop, The Classical Ideal: English Silver, 1760-1840, Koopman Rare Art, 2010, no. p. 16).  Benjamin Laver had been apprenticed to Heming, and Grimwade suggests Laver may have been working as a subcontractor to Heming, so in fact may have been the author of the V&A tureen.  Laver's first recorded mark is in 1781, so the rather assertive signature on the cover rim of this tureen may be the silversmith's way of signaling his new independence.