A rare and historically important George III lidded Scottish silver large tureen, the boat form body with gadroon rim, raised on four scrolling legs with acanthus leaf mounts and spreading and scrolling feet, two open loop handles issue from the sides, the domed lid with large acorn finial and oak leaves splayed below. Hallmarked Edinburgh 1794 and with maker's mark for Peter Mathie. Presentation engraved: 'To Thomas Elder Esquire of Forneath in Testimony of the Grateful Sense Entertained by his Country of his Eminent Public Services While Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh in the Years 1793 and 1794; Times of Danger to the State when it was Difficult to Temper as He Did. The firm and resolute exercise of Authority with Prudence and with Moderation; The Royal Burghs of Scotland Have Presented this Piece of Plate'. Note: Thomas Elder held the office of Chief Magistrate of the City of Edinburgh where he carried on the business of a wine merchant. It is recorded that 'during his second term of office he took a very active part in suppressing the meetings of the Friends of the People, and without any military aid, he broke up the meeting of the British Convention held at Edinburgh on 5 Dec. 1793, and took 10 or 12 of the principal members prisoners. On the formation of the Royal Edinburgh Volunteers in the summer of 1794, he became their first colonel, and on 9 Sept. in the same year was voted a piece of plate by the town council.........'. This silver presentation tureen being that 'piece of plate'