Tiffany Studios

Private Collection, Chicago, ca. 1910
Thence by descent

Overall in very good condition. There are approximately 15-18 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout the shade. There are a few small and minor areas of leading separation above the bottom rim of the shade just below one of the decorative roundels (which appears entirely stable). Owing to this lamp's extraordinary original family provenance, all of its components originated together from the time the lamp was acquired in the period. The base, socket cluster, riser, wheel and finial are all original to the lamp and display a totally consistent rich brown mottled patina heightened in shades of green. The base is in very good condition, showing minimal gentle wear and a few minor surface abrasions. All of the patinated bronze external socket casings are original, but to insure the safe electrical functioning of the lamp, two of the socket interiors and switches were recently replaced. (The original socket interiors and switches have been retained and will be provided to the successful purchaser.) A superb example of this exceedingly rare model, displaying an incredibly saturated and dramatic glass selection. The range of colors, most notably in the flames surrounding the salamanders and in the upper flame register, displays far greater variation than can be seen in the catalogue illustration, including various tonalities of oranges, pinks, corals, yellows and lime greens. The salamanders are articulated in vibrant tones of translucent scarlet red glass (in some cases subtly streaked with green), surrounding by brilliant tones of striated purple glass. The lamp presents beautifully in person, imparting a great sense of luminosity and movement.
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.