lobed gadroon borders, the rims engraved with slightly later arms in drapery surround, marked on bases, bases numbered and with scratch weights: No. 1, 17-5; No. 13, 16-15; No. 14, 16-18 1/2; No. 15, 17-4 1/2; No. 16, 16-15; No. 17, 16-13; No. 18, 16-19; No. 19, 17-8; No. 20, 17-3; No. 21, 17-2; No. 22, 17-2; No. 23, 17-6; No. 24, 17-2 1/2; No. 25, 17-4 1/2; No. 26, 16-18; No. 27, 16-19; No. 28, 17-13; No. 29, 17-2; No. 30, 17-13; No. 32, 17-7; No. 33, 17-10; No. 34, 17-3; No. 35, 17-1; No. 36, 17-1 1/2

The arms are those of Van Sittart with a martlet for difference, probably for George, fourth surviving son of Arthur Van Sittart, of Shottesbrook, Berks.

Born in 1745, George married in 1767 in Madras his distant cousin Sarah, daughter of Rev. Sir James Stonhouse, Bart.  In India, he held the posit🍌ions of writer, E.I. Co. (Bengal) 1761; factor and resident at Midnapore 1767; j♛unior merchant 1769; senior merchant 1772; 14th in council (Fort William) 1773; member of Board of Trade, Bengal 1774; retired 1776.

When he return𝓀ed in 1776 from India he was reputed to be worth £150,000. A few years later, he settled at Bisham Abbey, Berks., once part of Anne of Cleves divorce settlement from Henry VIII.  Van Sittart wrote of the house, ‘I said at first I would not live in it if it was given me, and now I find it as comfortable a habitation as any in theಞ kingdom.’

He went into politics in 1784, explaining his reason♒s in a letter to his close friend Warren Hastings: ‘Being perfectly happy with the private life of a country gentleman, I had no thought of engaging in politics, but the dangerous measures of Mr. Fox and his associate Lord North induced me to take a part.’

significant surface scratches from use and a few minor dings, overall 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.