Each piece has matching armorial, crest and motto engravings. A little further research will undoubtedly provide the name of the original owner. To get you started the motto 'Virtus Mille Scuta' is that of the Howard family, particularly Baron Howard of Effingham. Top left in the wonderful armorial engraving is the Coat of Arms granted to Thomas Howard 2^nd Duke of Norfolk. Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk KG PC (1443 to 21^st May 1524), styled Earl of Surrey from 1483 to 1485 and again from 1489 to 1514, was an English nobleman, soldier and statesman who served four monarchs. He was the eldest son of John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk, by his first wife, Catharina de Moleyns. The Duke was the grandfather of both Queen Anne Boleyn and Queen Katherine Howard and the great-grandfather of Queen Elizabeth I. In 1513, he led the English to victory over the Scots at the decisive Battle of Flodden, for which he was richly rewarded by King Henry VIII, then away in France. Much more about this family in the usual places on the internet.

The piece is of superb quality and in the finest, original condition. To the underside of the base there is the maker's mark and date letter 'P' for 1750. Also to the base, in one pot well is the Leopard's Head Crowned and in another is the Lion Passant, both from the 1739-56 series. The underside of the ink pot and pounce pot are marked with maker's mark and Lion Passant as is the underside of the pounce pot top and just the maker's mark to the ink pot top. The quill holder, although clearly an exactly matching piece has a the 'P' from 1730, partial Leopard's Head Crowned from the 1720s and just the hint of pierced out marks under the top. I believe this to be simple human error in a time of general illiteracy. Dot markings to the underside of each vessel ·, ··, ···, and matching dot markings under the base wells to indicate the mounting position of each vessel.