classical urn form with twin stylised entwined branch handles, the flaring rim cast with overhanging fruiting grapevines, the body similarly modelled with openwork cast entwined fruiting vines around a plain liner, the entwined branch stem spreading on to four highly ornate stylised grapevines, on a incurved square pedestal base with husk and bead borders, the crowned cypher 'AR' applied four times within strapwork, above an applied leaf and berry border ad husk rimmed base

Ernest Augustus King of Hanover, Duke of Cumberland and Brunswick-Lüneburg (1771-1851)

Good clear marks to top of pedestal and within upper leaf decoration on urn. No obvious breaks or repairs. Later gilded.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The cypher is that of Ernest Augustus King of Hanover, Duke of Cumberland and Brunswick-Lüneburg (1771-1851).Ernest Augustus visited London in the summer of 1843, 'grown very old and excessively thin.' Although he was fêted by society and welcomed by Queen Victoria, his behaviour was 'difficult,' particularly over his claim to his mother, the late Queen Charlotte's jewellery. One witness characterised him as "surly". He used the opportunity of his stay in London, however, to purchase plate in the latest style for his new residences.

It was in the year 1843 that Ernest Augustus founded the Ernst August-Fideikommiß to preserve his collections of objects of art, including the estates of his sister Auguste Sophie (1768-1840) and of his wife, Friederike (1778-1841). The aim was the 'Erhaltung des Glanzes Unserer Krone.'

All the objects of the Ernst August-Fideikommiß are listed in the inventory of 1855, drawn up after the death of the King, including the present centrepiece. In addition to this, the inventory includes a set of eight stands, of similar vine form, sold Sotheby's, Property from the Royal House of Hanover, 5^th-15^th October 2005, lot 2208.