A Pair of George III Silver four-light Candelabra, Digby Scott & Benjamin Smith for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, London, 1805

on three lion's legs with shell-capped knees emerging from acanthus, spaced by three classical female heads wearing fruit headdresses, the stems formed as vase-shaped columns terminating in three pairs of feet and rising to shoulders formed as stylized scrolled dolphins partly sheathed in acanthus and each mounted with a double-sided lion mask, the sconces of Roman lamp form, borders of chevrons, lobes, egg-and-dart and flutes, the stems, sconces and detachable nozzles engraved with monogram below a coronet

Property of a Lady of Title, sold
Sotheby's, New York, 22 October 1993, lot 316.

E. Alfred Jones, The Gold & Silver of Windsor Castle, pl. LXXX where similar candelabra in the Royal Collection are illustrated and described.

Christopher Hartop, Royal Goldsmiths: The Art of Rundell & Bridge, 1797-1843, London, 2005, Cat. no. 8, fig 48., where gilt candelabra from the Duke of Cumberland's collection are illustrated and described.

good minimal wear as noted regarding 2 branches, 1 section before central sconce without visible mark
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 monogram and coronet is that of de Worms for Solomon Benedict de Worms, Baron de Worms, of Milton Park, Egham, and his wife Henrietta, eldest daughter of Samuel-Moses Samuel of Park Crescent, whom he married in 1827. 

Solomon was born on 5 February 1801 on Frankfurt-on-the-Main and was the son of Benedict Worms of Frankfurt by Jeanette von Rothschild.  His mother was the eldest daughter of Mayer-Amschel von Rothschild and thus sister to the renowned "five brothers", who established the Rothschild banks in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna and Naples.  Additionally, Solomon was nephew to James de Rothschild, builder of Ferrières, and first cousin to Mayer de Rothschild of Mentmore. 

In 1841 Solomon and his two brothers, Maurice and Gabriel, travelled to Ceylon where they purchased a one-thousand acre estate at Pussellawa for the purpose of growing coffee.  As the average Ceylonese coffee plantation was less than 200 acres, the Rothschild plantation was by far the largest plantation on the island.  Shortly after the brothers had established themselves they began planting the first tea trees in Ceylon with seeds Maurice had imported from China.  An 1845 editorial in the Madras Crescent noted:

"Our Ceylon friends are rejoicing in the cultivation of the tea plant, which has been imported by the house of Messrs. Worms into that island, and is said to be in a thriving condition, many young plants having been raised from the seeds of those originally introduced; and they anticipate that, ere long, tea may become another important branch of their colonial trade." 

When the brothers sold their estates in 1865, their holdings included twelve properties totaling approximately 7,000 acres.  The brothers were recognized for their substantial contribution to the advancement of the colony's economy.  Sir Emerson Tennant, Colonial Secretary 1845-50, remarked of the brothers:

"Their practical knowledge of planting was therefore acquired during its experimental stages; and no capitalists in the colony have contributed more to its advancement by judgment, and firmness and perseverance in period of difficulty.  Hereafter, when the great project to which they have devoted their lives, shall have attained its full development, Ceylon, in the plentitude of commercial success, will remember with gratitude the names of men like these, who were the earliest pioneers of its prosperity." 

Solomon was a generous benefactor to Jewish charities, was a member of the council of the United Synagogue, and acted as a trustee to several London synagogues.  In 1871 he was created hereditary baron of the Austrian Empire, and in 1874 was granted by Royal License that he and his descendants were permitted to use the title in England.  He died at Brighton on 20 October 1882 (The Jewish Encyclopedia).

A three-piece gilt tea set by Paul Storr, 1812-13, engraved with identical monogram and coronet was sold Bonhams, London, 10 February 2004, lot 465.

A candelabrum of this model, one of twenty-four, 1804-05 and 1812-13, in the Royal Collection, is described and illustrated E. Alfred Jones, The Gold and Silver of Windsor Castle, pl. LXXX.  Another slightly smaller example, made in 1804 and applied with the Royal arms of Ernest Augustus, 1st. Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale, were sold Sotheby's, London, 19 November 1987, lot 123.  A similar three-light model by Benjamin Smith, 1807, features central heraldic crest finials.  The Smith examples, which are engraved with the arms of Wykeham, for Sophia Elizabeth Wykeham, Baronness Wenman, are currently part of a West Coast private collection.