A George III silver basket, Wakelin & Tayler, London, 1777

oval, rams' head and drop ring handles, engraved twice with a coat-of-arms below an earl's coronet on the reverse of the handles

Philip Stanhope, 5^th Earl of Chesterfield (1755-1815)

One panel near one of the coats-of-arms has an old repair, marks on underside good and crisp, overall 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. 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 Stanhope, Earls of Chesterfield, for Philip Stanhope, 5^th Earl of Chesterfield (1755-1815). He succeeded to the title upon the death of his cousin, Philip Dormer Stanhope (1694-1773), 4^th Earl of Chesterfield, the celebrated British statesman and a copious writer of letters. The 5th Earl held the office of Ambassador to Spain between 1784 and 1787, although he never went to Madrid, was invested as a Privy Counsellor on 7 January 1784, and a Knight of the Garter on 17 January 1805.

For a pair of silver second course dishes, Wakelin & Tayler, London, 1778, see Mark Birley: The Private Collection, Sotheby’s, London, 21 March 2013, lot 326.