A pair of Empire ormolu and patinated bronze four-light candelabra circa 1810, attributed to Claude Galle

Some rubbing to the gilding around the tops and candle nozzles. Some minor pitting and marks to the ormolu. Wear and patina on the orbs and triform standards. in overall good condition. Very attractive model.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The device of three addorsed owls was repeatedly used by Claude Galle.  A pair of candlesticks delivered in 1807 for the 2e salon de l'Impératrice: "une paire (flambeau) en cuivre gaines rondes griffes et hiboux dorés or mat hauteur 29 c" is strongly thought to have come from Galle's atelier.  They relate closely to another pair of similarly decorated candlesticks, known to have been delivered by him in 1804, illustrated, J.P. Samoyault, Pendules et Bronzes d'ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire, Paris, 1989, nos. 156 and 157.  

A comparable pair of candelabra very similar to the offered pair, also attributed to Galle was sold, Christie's, New York, October 26, 2001; a second similar pair was sold Christie's, Amsterdam, September 5, 2006, lot 633.  A very similar candelabrum from the Hôtel de la Monnaie is illustrated, E. Dumonthier, Les Bronzes du Mobilier National: bronzes d'eclairage et de chauffage, Paris, 1910, pl. 19 and another by Biennais is illustrated, D. Ledoux-Lebard, Le Grand Trianon, Vol. I, Paris, 1975, pp. 117-119.