Set of 6 Lord Amhurst sterling silver plates by Richard Sibley, London 1834

Richard Sibley was a respected silversmith known for the quality and elegance of his silverwork. He mainly produced items for the home, such as plates, cutlery, teapots and other decorative objects. Solid silver plates from this period are often both utilitarian and decorative objects, representing the social status of their owners.
These plates have a prestigious provenance, having belonged to Lord William Pitt Amherst, first Earl Amherst (1773-1857), who was Governor General of India from 1823 to 1828. This position was one of the highest in the British Empire, and owning a silver service of such quality was a sign of rank and wealth.