A pair of French Empire silver two-handled tureens and covers, Jean-François Guion, Paris, 1809-1819

complete with liners, on circular openwork pedestal bases cast with four seated bulls, their horns linked by flower festoons, the detachable covers applied with a coat-of-arms within the motto of the Order of the Garter, coronet and motto, each with cast finial in the form of Cupid kneeling before a broken bow, the bases engraved: 'Guion à Paris'

The property of a Gentleman, Christie's, London, 25 April 1951, lot 157;
The property of a Lady, Christie's, London, 3 February 1965, lot 50;
Sotheby's, New York, 27 April 1992, lot 230;
Private Collection

Some small denting to liners and one slightly out of treuse, one base is lacking two nuts on the underside, one side of one handle has detached from the body, otherwise overall condition is 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."

The arms are those of Brunswick-Lüneburg enclosed by the Order of the Garter for William, 8^th Duke of Brunswick (1806-1884), the younger son of Frederick William, 6^th Duke of Brunswick (1771-1815). In 1830 he was appointed regent of the Duchy of Brunswick on behalf of his brother, Charles (1804-1873), 7^thDuke of Brunswick, who had fallen from favour and whose palace was destroyed by a mob of would-be revolutionaries. Charles reluctantly spent the rest of his life outside Germany, mostly in Paris and London, while his brother William, on 9 September 1830, declared himself ruling duke. The following year his cousin, William IV, King of England, appointed him a Knight of the Garter.
A group of other items of silver from the house of Brunswick-Lüneburg, including the present Guion tureens, together with a pair of Henri Auguste soup tureens, covers and liners and a pair of Odiot entrée dishes and covers, was sold at Christie’s, London, on 11 April 1951, lots 153 to 157. A part silver dinner service, Mortimer & Hunt, London, 1840, comprising dinner plates and various dishes, also applied with the arms and Garter motto of William, Duke of Brunswick, was sold at Christie’s, New York, on 25 April 1971, lots 49 and 50. 

Jean-François Guion of 15 rue St. Denis, Paris, was exhibitor no. 565 at the Paris Exposition of 1806. The Jurors, who awarded him a silver medal, first class, commented: 
‘Excelle dans l’orfévrerie courante; it a exposé un plateau à plusieurs étages, destine à porter des fruits, qui est bien conçu et bien execute.
M. Guion dessin tr-bien, et se sert de son talent pour perfectionner sa fabrication; it a imagine d’employer des cylindres graves pour faire les ornemens courans de ses pieces.’ (Exposition de 1806. Rapport du Jury sure les Produits de l’Industrie Française, Paris, 1806, p. 204)

For a similar tureen and cover, see Les Grand Orfèvres de Louis XIII à Charles X, Hachette, Paris, 1965, p. 309, no. 3