Two matching George III silver heraldic soup tureens and covers, one, Richard Cooke, the other, William Bennett, London, respectively 1807-08 and 1817

rectangular with gadrooned rims, reeded handles, heraldic finials, engraved with differing coats of arms, crests and mottos, one with a presentation inscription

Good clear marks. Slightly later engraved. Very good gauge. Covers fit well to bodies. 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 inscription on the 1817 tureen reeds: ‘PRESENTED by a GENERAL RESOLUTION of His Excellency the Governor, and the INHABITANTS of BERBICE to Lieut. Col^l. William Woodgate, C.B. of HIS MAJESTY’S 6^th. REG^t. of FOOT, as a willing and lasting Testimony of their Public Respect and Private Regard for the very eminent professional Qualities and Personal Endowments exhibited during the Years 1815 and 1816, in the command of HIS MAJESTY’S FORCES within the Colony.’

The engraved coat-of-arms and crest on the 1807 tureen are those of Best of Park House, Chilston Park and Wierton, Kent, probably for George Best (1759-1818) of Chilston Park, who was MP for Rochester from 1790 to 1795. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Thomas Fairfax Best (1786-1849) of Wierton, sometime an officer in the 1st Foot Guards.

The engraved coat-of-arms, crest and motto on the 1817 tureen as well as the cast crest finials on both 1807 and 1817 tureen covers are those of Woodgate (one impaling another) for Lieut. Col. William Woodgate (1781?-1861), the subject of the inscription.

Lieut. Col. William Woodgate of the 60th Regiment of Foot was the son of Robert Woodgate (d. 1823) of Dedham, Essex, and Golden Square, Soho, a solicitor. He served in the Peninsula campaign from August 1808 to March 1812, during which he was wounded at Fuentes d’Onoro, was appointed by the Prince Regent in December 1815 a Companion of the Order of the Bath. He also served in Canada, West Indies and in 1815/16 commanded the colony of Berbice (Guyana) where, upon leaving in October that year, he was voted the gift of a piece of plate to the value of 100 guineas (Berbice Gazette, quoted in The King's Royal Rifle Corps Chronicle, 1949, p. 131). He died at his residence in Paris on 12 January 1861, when he appears to have been survived by his widow. (The Essex Standard, Colchester, Wednesday, 17 April 1861, p. 2d)

Although the exact connection between the families of Best and Woodgate is uncertain, it should be noted that under the terms of an indenture instigated by her father, one of the trustees of Lieut. Col. William Woodgate’s sister, Isabella Baines Bonham (d. 1852) was the above-mentioned Thomas Fairfax Best. (National Archives, PROB 11/2155)