A pair of George III red marble and ormolu candle vases the ormolu in the manner of Matthew Boulton

the looped handles with ram's masks and swags, around a red-marble body, with finails to the spirally fluted lids everting to candle nozzles on stepped square bases with ball feet, the red marble bodies possibly replaced

The catalogue illustration is a fair representation of colour and tone. One of the loop handles with a repaired crack with lead solder to apex of loop. Another handle on the other vase with slight fracture to same point. The red bodies probably replacements as stated in the catalogue. Overall in good condition with slight rubbing and surface dirt to gilding. One urn with slightly loose body connection to the stem which will benefit from tightening up
"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 form of these candle vases is a combination of two of Boulton and Fothergill's designs one for a perfume burner and the other for a perfume burner, both of which are illustrated in N. Goodison, Matthew Boulton: Ormolu, London, 2002, fig. 272, p. 303 and fig. 292, p. 310 respectively. The closest example of these vases is a pair in a private collection of 'goat's head' vases although without the looped handles that are illustrated in N. Goodison, op.cit, p.333, figs 332-3.

Due to the lack of documented evidence of the use of red marble in Boulton's manufacture of candle vases it is possible that the bodies of these vases are replacements.