A George III Old Sheffield plate tea urn
unmarked, circa 1770
Ovoid form, the asymmetrical handles with fruiting vine lower junctions, the front with engraved arms of the HARDY family, a pull-off domed cover with decorative finial, the tap with a leaf calyx junction terminating in a dolphin spout and a turned ivory spigot, the main body detachable from the base, the whole atop a double-waisted column with heating element within, on a square pedestal base with four scrolled feet, height 49cm.
Footnotes:
The blazon of arms shown is an oval shield, without helm or crest. The arms are therefore likely to be for a female relation of Sir Thomas Hardy.

Please note that from 19 January 2022, items containing ivory cannot be imported into the EU. The import of ivory into the USA is already prohibited.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y Ф
Y Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.
Ф This lot contains or is made of ivory and cannot be imported into the USA or any country within the EU.

Unmarked.
The whole piece has significant rubbing, with the copper beneath showing through on most edges and high points.
The pull off cover has a variety of indents. The finial leans to the right where it has been knocked, with the highest point flattened as if dropped. The edge of the cover which inserts into the body has a very misshapen profile, with numerous inward indents/heavy dents.
All surface areas of the urn and base have sustained knocks and depressions.
The engraved HARDY coat of arms is clear but rubbing has exposed the copper beneath.
The handles either side have been obviously re-soldered using lead, with significant movement on one which will need to be addressed.
The ivory spigot on the dolphin spout is discoloured with ingrained dirt and leans slightly, but still turns. The spout has previously been detached and re-soldered on with lead.
The top portion wobbles on the base.
The main body of the urn lifts of the base to expose the iron circular heating element, which is heavily rusted and corroded. This is echoed on the underside, exposing more rust, lead repairs and a few holes.
Please refer to all the additional photos.