Lot Essay
The motto Rerum Tutela Mearum, engraved on the base, translates to "The protection of my possessions," suggesting that this significant silver piece was a precious gift. The engraved coats of arms belong to the Cope and Calthorpe families.
Sir John Cope, 6th Baronet (1673-1749) of Bramshill, Hampshire, was married only once, in 1696, to Alice, daughter of Sir Humphrey Monoux, 2nd Baronet of Wootton, Bedfordshire.
The exact relationship between Sir John Cope and the Calthorpe family remains unknown, aside from the fact that both resided in Hampshire. However, both Sir John Cope and Sir Henry Calthorpe (c.1717-1788) of Elvethames were admitted as Knights of the Bath on October 20, 1744.
This cup and basin may have been given in connection with Sir Henry Calthorpe’s will (National Archives, Kew, PROB 11/1165), signed on February 27, 1741, in which he named Monoux Cope, the son of Sir John Cope, as one of his executors. Monoux Cope inherited the title of 7th Baronet upon his father’s death in 1749 but passed away before Calthorpe in 1763. Sir Henry Calthorpe died without an heir, and his estate was inherited by his nephew, Sir Henry Gough, Baronet.
Clearly, these two men were acquainted, though the precise nature of their relationship remains unclear. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Henry Calthorpe was declared insane in 1747 and remained in this condition until his death in 1788.
Sir John Cope, 6th Baronet (1673-1749) of Bramshill, Hampshire, was married only once, in 1696, to Alice, daughter of Sir Humphrey Monoux, 2nd Baronet of Wootton, Bedfordshire.
The exact relationship between Sir John Cope and the Calthorpe family remains unknown, aside from the fact that both resided in Hampshire. However, both Sir John Cope and Sir Henry Calthorpe (c.1717-1788) of Elvethames were admitted as Knights of the Bath on October 20, 1744.
This cup and basin may have been given in connection with Sir Henry Calthorpe’s will (National Archives, Kew, PROB 11/1165), signed on February 27, 1741, in which he named Monoux Cope, the son of Sir John Cope, as one of his executors. Monoux Cope inherited the title of 7th Baronet upon his father’s death in 1749 but passed away before Calthorpe in 1763. Sir Henry Calthorpe died without an heir, and his estate was inherited by his nephew, Sir Henry Gough, Baronet.
Clearly, these two men were acquainted, though the precise nature of their relationship remains unclear. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Henry Calthorpe was declared insane in 1747 and remained in this condition until his death in 1788.