A George III sterling silver covered soup tureen
Edward Fernell, London
1790
Engraved with a coat of arms and motto INDUSTRIA.
height 11in (28cm); width over handles 16in (40.5cm); depth 8 1/2in (21.5cm); weight approximately 62.5oz troy
<Footnote:

The arms as engraved upon this tureen are those of the baronetcy family of Fettes, of Whamphray in the County of Dumfriesshire.

Given the evidence of the arms engraved upon this soup tureen it was undoubtedly in the possession of Sir William Fettes (born 25th June 1750 died 27th May 1836), the 1st and last Baronet of Whamphrey in the County of Dumfriesshire. He was the eldest son of William Fettes, an Edinburgh merchant and his wife, Margaret Rae.

Naturally enough, Sir William having been brought in a mercantile household followed in his father s footsteps as a merchant initially in the trading of tea and wines from a premises upon the High Street in Edinburgh. Thereafter, he also prospered as an insurance underwriter as well as a military contractor during the Napoleonic Wars during which time he had amassed a fortune. Sir William also became a director of the British Linen Bank. He also did not neglect his civic duty having served as the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh from 1804 – 06. Sir William acquired the estate of Comely Bank which lies today in the Stockbridge district of Edinburgh.

Sir William married Maria Malcolm on the 24th March 1787 at Edinburgh. Maria was the daughter of John Malcolm, a physician. He was created a Baronet within the Baronetage of the United Kingdom, styled as of Whamphray in the County of Dumfriesshire on the 13th June 1804. Sadly, Sir William and Maria s only son, William (born 1788 died 1815), an Advocate died after catching typhoid in Berlin whilst on the Grand Tour of Europe.Upon Sir William s death in 1836, he left a substantial bequest that allowed the foundation of Fettes College that eventually came into being in 1870 some thirty-four years after Sir William s death as a memorial to his late son, William. The college s location is near Comely Bank, Sir William s old estate.

Fully marked to foot. Part marked to rim. General marks, scratches, rubbing, wear and tarnishing. Scattered dings. Repairs to rim of tureen. Engraved as stated.