one side engraved with a mounted officer, the other side with presentation inscription, the cover engraved with arms and a crest

sides with a few dings, otherwise good condition, engravings crisp
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.

The inscription reads "Presented BY THE MEMBERS OF THE WINCANTON TROOP OF THE EAST SOMERSET REGIMENT OF YEOMANRY CAVALRY Commanded by The Right Hon.ble Earl Ponlett TO THEIR CAPTAIN George Mefsiter Esquire In Token of their Esteem for him as an Officer AND A GENTLEMAN. 1815."

George Messiter, Esq. (d. 1834), was the captain of the Wincanton Troop of East Somerset Yeomanry Cavalry from 1795 until the dissolution of the regiment in 1828. An article in the Salisbuཧry and Winchester Journal from Nov. 6, 1815, as well as one in the Oxford University and City Herald on Nov. 11, 1815, recounts the presentation of this soup tureen as a "superb piece of plate, of 100 guineas value, being an elegant modern shaped tureen, bearing on one side a light horseman, surrounded by the Captain's arms, and on the reverse, the following inscription..."

Another article in the Salisbury and Winchester Journal on Febru🀅ary 21, 1828 records the farewell dinner hosted by Messiter, where the troop presented him with another piece of plate. The article notes that Messiter in his speech returned thanks and also alluded to the previous gift, "𓄧a costly silver tureen" which he had received from the troop.