MARK OF THOMAS HEMING, LONDON, 1763

This particular design was used in number of ambassadorial services created in the early years of the reign of George III, during the Seven Years War (1762-1763). In 1760, Thomas Heming was appointed as Principal Goldsmith to King George lll (r.1760-1820), a position he held until the year prior to his retirement in 1783. Ambassadorial appointments were plentiful in 1763, including the Duke of Bedford (ambassador to Paris), and Earl of Sandwich (Madrid). In the same year, The Duke of Marlborough received a large gift of plate as the new Lord of the Privy Seal.

A comparable pair of sauce-tureens and stands of the same date and maker, but of a slightly lighter gauge (47 oz.) were sold, Sotheby's, New York, 13 October 2007, lot 92.