Victorian sterling silver presentation tray to Colonel (later General) Montagu Gilbert Gerard, maker's marks for James Beebe, London, 1888. Oval handled form with shaped beaded border and four acanthus leaf feet. Center with engraved grapevine decoration, coat of arms and presentation inscription reading "Presented to: Colonel Montagu Gilbert Gerard C. B./of Rochsoles, and of Bengal Staff Corps./Along with a Dressing Case to Mrs. Gerard/by the Tenantry Feuars, Servants & Others engaged about the estate/On the Occasion of his Marriage/19th September 1888". 18 3/4" H x 27 7/8" W. 111.37 troy ounces. For more information about Colonel Gerard, see this link: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gerard,_Montagu_Gilbert_(DNB12). Provenance: a Middle Tennessee estate, by descent from Thomas G.B. Wheelock. Note: Thomas G.B. Wheelock was known as an astute collector of African Art and co-author of the book "Land of the Flying Masks: Art & Culture in Burkina Faso". He also inherited a sizeable collection of Asian, British, and military related antiques from his grandparents, Gilded Age tycoon George Briggs Buchanan of New York, and William and Margaret Wheelock, who owned a Scottish manor home known as Bunker Hill. (Margaret Carmichael Wheelock was also a founding partner of the fashion firm Farquharson & Wheelock in New York). See other related lots in this auction, including possibly lot 688, book with Calcutta inscription. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)

Overall good condition with light wear.