Three silver-gilt sugar vases and covers, Digby Scott & Benjamin Smith, London, 1805/6

detachable covers, the pair 1805 engraved with a crest on the rim of the bodies, the covers stamped RUNDELL BRIDGE ET RUNDELL AURIFICES REGIS PRINCIPIS WALLIÆ LONDINI FECERUNT, bud and leaf finials, the single example with a pinecone finial

Christie's, London, 22 May 1974, lots 106 and 107

Gilding very lightly worn at highlights and on underside of feet commensurate with age, nice colour, decoration and hallmarks very crisp, one bud finial slightly bent but easily straightened, the three with later French control marks, overall an attractive lot in very good condition. For further queries on this lot please contact the Silver department on +44(0)207.293.5100.
"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 is that of Higginson of Saltmarshe, near Great Malvern, Herefordshire.

The Saltmarshe estate, formerly owned by the Earls of Essex, was purchased in 1799 by William Higginson whose wealth derived from coal mining. His London residence was at Berners Street, St. Marylebone, and upon his death in 1824 the whole of his property passed to his great nephew Edmund Barneby (1802-1871). The latter assumed by royal licence in January 1825 the name and arms of Higginson. In 1840 Edmund Higginson pulled down the old Saltmarshe House, building on its site a modern mansion known as Saltmarshe Castle. The estate was eventually sold in 1953 after which all but the kitchen wing, the coach house and various barns were demolished.

For a silver soup tureen, cover and stand, Robert, Garrard & Brothers, London, 1827/29, engraved with the arms of Higginson quartering Barneby-Lutley for Edmund Higginson of Saltmarshe, see Sotheby's, London, 20 June 1988, lot 222, which is now in the Jerome and Rita Gans Collection at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.