A George I gilt-gesso pier mirror circa 1725

Candle arms and backplates later, over-gilt, cartouche probably once fitted with a mask, restorations, mirror plate later.

Overall restored condition; the cartouche probably once fitted with a mask; mirror plate later; candle arms and backplates later; over-gilt; chips to gilding and gesso to the edges especially an area to the left side approximately 6 inches long by ½-inch wide; the right side scroll drop with two small breaks and slightly loose; chip to leaf carving of lower left and lower right corners; overall with wear to gilding and with some old scratches.
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.

This mirror relates to a pier glass supplied by the London cabinet-maker John Belchier (d.1753), to John Meller in 1726 for one of the best bedchambers at Erddig Park, Denbighshire, Wales (now in the Saloon) at a cost of £50 (see R. Edwards and M. Jourdain, Georgian Cabinet-Makers, rev. ed., London 1946, p. 99, fig. 33 and erroneously attributed to Moore and Gumley). It is probable that the cartouche to the cresting of the present mirror was once fitted with an applied head of Venus or a putto, that is now lacking.  Belchier's work often included these motifs as well as eagles' heads, as found on the apron, although unusually, upside down.  The cresting of another mirror with distinctive elements such as eagles' heads, voluted scrolls and a putto mask formerly in the collection of Gerald Hochschild and subsequently with Mallett & Son, sold Sotheby's New York, 11 October 1996, lot 369 (see L. Synge, Mallett's Great English Furniture, London 1991, p.89). Similar characteristics are also repeated on a further example illustrated in G. Child, World Mirrors 1650-1900, London 1990, p.78, fig.51 and a pair of pier glasses sold Christie's New York, 22 April 1999, lot 143.