A William IV royal silver soup tureen and cover, William Bateman for Rundell, Bridge & Co., London, 1836

the body engraved with scalework below rocaille ornament and with the royal coat of arms on either side, also inscribed on one side, the cover engraved with the royal cypher, cauliflower finial, the underside of the tureen and interior of the lid scratch engraved with the number 7548

Sold as part of the North Heirlooms, removed from Wroxton Abbey, Banbury, Sotheby's, London, 27 July 1922, lot 171.

Good clear marks on underside of body and cover, the finial part marked, light surface scratch about 4cm long below the inscription, the other side with two tiny dents near the coat-of-arms, attractive model, overall good condition. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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 inscription reads: 'GIVEN BY THEIR MAJESTIES KING WILLIAM 4^TH AND QUEEN ADELAIDE TO THE HONB^LE WILLIAM HENRY JOHN NORTH. TO WHOM THEY WERE SPONSORS ON HIS CHRISTENING 10^TH DECEMBER 1936.'

The recipient of this royal christening gift, the Hon. William Henry John North, whose grandfather was the banker Thomas Coutts, was born at Brighton on 5 October 1836. He became 11th Baron North upon the death of his mother in 1884, having in 1858 married Frederica (1839-1915), daughter of Richard Howe Cockerell, R.N. Upon his death in 1932, The Times described him as 'a typical country gentleman, devoted to all manly sports, and exemplary in fulfilling the duties of his position as a large landowner.'