A pair of gilt-metal-mounted Bow white porcelain `Birds in branches' candelabra the porcelain circa 1755, the mounts later

each modelled as two birds perched on a bifurcated tree stump, a barking hound standing on the mound base below, mounted with white sconces and large flowers, minor damage



 

First Group: Bird on left with restoration to right wing. Berry in its mouth lacking. Restoration to five of the leaves on the tree stump. Both candle nozzles are 19th century replacements. Tulip bud probably a replacement. Some typical restoration and small chips to other flowers. Second Group: Some restoration and minor chips to flowers and leaves on tree stump. Both candle nozzles are 19th century replacements. Some typical restoration and chips to other flowers. Gilding worn and some leaves resoldered to the branches.
"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 large white flowers are probably Derby rather than Bow. This may be accounted for by the presence in London at the time of William Duesbury, who became proprietor of the Derby factory in 1756. Duesbury supplied porcelain flowers for candlestick figures for other factories, especially Bow. These groups were intended to be mounted as candlesticks, as evidenced from the listing in Duesbury's London Account Book for 1751-53, which lists 2 Groups of Bogh bird candlesticks.