A Pair of George II Silver Waiters, George Wickes, London, 1745

shaped square, the gadrooned border with foliate scrolls and shell-form masks at intervals, the centers engraved with arms, crest and coronet flanked by flower sprays and classical foliage, raised on four scroll supports

The arms are those of Lyttleton accollé with Russell for Sir Richard Lyttleton K.B. (d. 1770) and his wife Rachael, daughter of the 2nd Duke of Bedford and widow of the 1st Duke of Bridgwater, whom he married 1745.

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.

Horace Walpole remarked to Sir Horace Mann on 14 May 1761: "You will be happy to in Sir Richard Lyttleton and his daughter, the are the best humored people in the world."

A pair of 13-inch salvers, en suite with the present lot, is illustrated by Elaine Barr in George Wickes, Royal Goldsmith, p. 118, pl. 73.