The Property of
THE LORD ELPHINSTONE
The dessert service contained in the following six lots was presented to the Hon. William Fullerton Elphinstone (1740-1834). He joined the East India Company at the age of 17, spending almost 70 years in the Comapny's employ. He rose through the ranks, joining the ourt of Directrs in the 1780's and becoming CHairman of the Court of Directors on three separate occasions, in 1804, 1806 and 1814, an unusual occurrence. He finally retired in 1826 and the e of 85. His knowledge and experience of Indian affairs was considered unrivalled. He was the father of Major General William Elphinstone, commander of the ill-fated Afghan expedition of 1841, and uncle of Mountstuart Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay and an Indian historian. The present dessert service was given to him on his retirement in 1826.
A PAIR OF INDIAN ENAMELLED GILT COPPER FOOTED BOWLS each of shallow rounded form with everted lip, separately cast handles at each side engraved with scrolling floral designs, decorated under the plain green enamel surface with fine dense silver scrolling flowering and palmette vine, between gold and silver overlaid lobed and palmette borders, each side also worked under the enamel with the crest and motto of William Elphinstone, circa 1826 (various chips to enamels, one rim dented)
Details
A PAIR OF INDIAN ENAMELLED GILT COPPER FOOTED BOWLS each of shallow rounded form with everted lip, separately cast handles at each side engraved with scrolling floral designs, decorated under the plain green enamel surface with fine dense silver scrolling flowering and palmette vine, between gold and silver overlaid lobed and palmette borders, each side also worked under the enamel with the crest and motto of William Elphinstone, circa 1826 (various chips to enamels, one rim dented)
12½in. (32cm.) diam. (2)
12½in. (32cm.) diam. (2)