An Elizabethan silver-gilt tankard, maker's mark SE in monogram, (Jackson's p.100), London, 1578

the body engraved with strapwork and foliage on a matted ground between two girdle straps, the domed cover and foot embossed and chased with fruit, scroll handle engraved with arabesques, cast winged-cherub thumbpiece, knop finial on a rayed table, the underside with engraved initial 'TS', fully hallmarked on base and cover

The marks are good; marked on underside and on lip of hinged lid; the lion passant on the latter is struck on the very edge. There may be various old repairs but they are not easy to identify apart from small plugged hole in the barrel in the area of the handle, and some thickening of solder in one small place under the finial and again near the thumbpiece. There is a very small split on an embossed strap on the hinged lid. The gilding is later. Overall condition is pretty good.
"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."