A George III Silver Two-handled Tray with Cat Crest John Crouch I & Thomas Hannan, London, 1796 Oval with a reeded rim, the well with a bright-cut border of rinceau, cat crest to center, sided by acanthus-capped reeded handles, and raised on four slightly scrolled feet, inscribed A present from Mr. John Burke to his /Sister, Mrs. Catherine Burke of Prospect/1802 (to the underside). length over handles, 25 1/2 in. (64.77 cm.) approximately 100 troy oz. Footnotes: Provenance The Collection of Beverly B. Bernstein, Washington, D.C.; Sotheby's, New York, Important English & Continental Silver & Objects of Vertu, 21 October 2010, Lot 165; Acquired by the current owner from the above. Literature Lerner, Sandy. Caticons: 4,000 Years of Art Imitating Cats, Ayrshire House Publishing, 2017, p. 33, illustrated. This is the crest associated with the arms of the Burke family of Ireland, Great Britain, and later the United Kingdom. This particular crest was used by the descendants of the principal and noble branches of the family that include: Earls of Ulster and Marquesses and Earls of Clawrcarde. The name is famously connected with the College of Arms in London and the many later publications Sir Bernard Burke (1814-1892) Ulster King of Arms. The Burke family coat of arms has a striking crest: a cat seated in a watchful sejant-guardant pose with collar and chain. Cats are relatively rare in heraldic tradition. Most coats of arms favor animals like lions, eagles, stags, or mythical creatures such as griffins and dragons-symbols that are meant to project obvious ideas like strength, nobility, or divine protection. A cat, by contrast, is unusual because it carries a different kind of symbolism, that of independence, vigilance, and a quieter, more subtle kind of strength rather than overt power. Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing