A pair of square Belgian silver candlesticks, Bertholet Labeen de Lambermont, Liège, 1696 and 1701

on square base, the foot of the baluster stem chased with acanthus leaves and surmounted by beaded and acanthus leaves friezes, the socket chased with laurel leaves, engraved accolé coat-of-arms

By descent from the commissioner to the present owner.

In overall good condition. The nozzles are unmarked and one nozzle is slightly dented.
"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."

The arms are those of Jacques Flaveau de la Raudiere (1677-1732) and his wife born Salms. These two torches are part of a set of four, a pair dated 1696 and the other one 1701. They were split before 1932, mixing the two dates. The four torches were together in the 1991 exhibition L'Orfèvrerie civile ancienne du pays de Liège (Museum of Walloon Art, cat. no. 29, ill.). A pair with the two dates, probably the present one, was exhibited in 1932 and probably also in 1976 (no. 188 of the 1932 catalogue). For a set of four toilet boxes by the same maker, engraved with the arms of Salms, see Excellence, Sotheby's Paris, 28 November 2017, nr 7.