This is a large, English, early Victorian sterling silver soup tureen. The lid showcases an extraordinarily crafted lion sitting on a crown; another similar lion has been etched onto the lid above a crest of heraldic motifs. Inscribed beneath this, are the words “Dieu et Ma Patrie”, meaning ‘God is my country’. The handles and base have been decorated in the Rococo style of scrolling leaves. Four lion’s paws hold the approx. 18” x 12” x 11 ½”, approx. 180 troy ounce, tureen up (size includes lion finial). The inside of the lid shows hallmarks indicating this to be made by John & Henry Lias, in London, in 1847. The bottom of the tureen also has a full set of hallmarks.