A Regency gilt-brass hexagonal lantern circa 1820, possibly by William Collins

of large scale, with pierced anthemion motifs, on scroll supports beneath a foliate corona, with berried and foliate pendant finials

The Property of a Gentleman, Christie's London, 8 July 1999, lot 5 (£60,000 hammer).

This lantern is in `country house' condition. The brass is tarnished throughout and could benenfit from cleaning according to taste. The glass is not the original. One pane is cracked. The pierced gilt-metal drip-pans are alter replacements and have screws suggesting that they were once fitted with shades. It is of large scale and looks very impressive.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

William Colllins is recorded at 227 The Strand, near Temple Bar, London, decribing himself in 1822 as `Glass manufacturer to His Majesty and their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Sussex and Princess Elizabeth' and later as ` Glass enameller, lamp manufacturer to the Queen and Royal Family'. He was one of the most ambitious chandelier and lamp maker of the early 19th century. Besides supplying the Royal family one of his most expensive and important commissions was to supply chandeliers to the Duke of Northumberland for Northumberland House in 1823 and a magnificent pair of candelabra which are now in the State Dining Room at Syon Park, Middlesex. He also undertook the re-lighting of Burton Constable, the homE of John Chichester-Constable in Yorkshire in 1830s and supplied an ornate hall lantern, illustrated in Temple Newsam House, Country House Studies No. 4, Country House Lighting, 1992, p.73, fig. 35.