A pair of Victorian silver table centre dessert bowls, Paul Storr and John Samuel Hunt for Storr & Mortimer, London, 1838-1848

the shaped oval marine bases cast and chased with shells, rockwork and spume and each supporting a crested clam pulled by a conch-blowing triton, the clams, John Samuel Hunt, London, 1848, the arm of one of the merman engraved 'No. 831 Published as the Act Directs by Storr & Mortimer, 156, New Bond Street, London, October 17th, 1838', one numbered 2, the other numbered 4, the wood undersides each with four ivory ball and cartouche rollers and later printed Bulgari labels affixed

Bulgari Collection, Rome

Hallmarks clear to bases, mermen and shells. The shells are hallmarked for John Samuel Hunt, London, 1848. All three silver parts (base, merman, shells) are numbered '2' and '4' on the respective pieces. The arm of one of the merman is engraved 'No. 831 Published as the Met Directs by Storr & Mortimer, 156, New Bond Street, London, October 17th, 1838'. The retailers marks for Storr & Mortimer incuse stamped at the end of each base. Both of excellent gauge. One of the wooden undersides is missing and ivory ball caster. Both shell interiors have four visible intersecting lines with firing visible on one of the two at this point. This is likely to have been in construction. There are a couple of small clusters of light pitting around these points. When the bowls are deconstructed there are visible junction lines on the legs of the merman, otherwise invisible when constructed. Generally very 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."

Please note that each dessert bowl is 14 inches wide and not 14cm as catalogued.