A rare pair of George III silver tea caddies, John Henry Vere & William Lutwyche, London, 1767

in the form of cannisters with applied gadroon borders and hinged covers, engraved with a coat-of-arms within a drapery cartouche, one key

Fully marked on undersides, lion passant only on one lid, the other lid apparently unmarked, marks are good; overall condition is a little worn, minor dents including one to the top of one of the lids, one of the hinges has been repaired, rare form
"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 arms are those of Fetherstonhaugh impaling Lethieullier for Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh, 1st Bt (1714?-1774), son of Matthew Fetherstonhaugh of Fetherstonhaugh (Featherstone) Castle, Northumberland. In 1746 he married Sarah Lethieullier (1725-1788) and inherited the estates of Sir Henry Fetherston, the last representativ of the Blackswere branch of that family. On 3 January the following year he was created a baronet. Shortly afterwards Sir Matthew purchased the mansion and estate of Uppark, Sussex. He was MP for Morpeth from 1755 to 1761 and for Porthsmouth from 1762 to his death.

For a pair of salvers, William Peaston, London, 1744, engraved with the same arms, see Sotheby's, London, 27 April 2010, lot 253