A pair of William and Mary carved and white painted oak candle sconces late 17th century, attributed to the workshop of Samuel Watson

in the form of flowering crocus heads, one branded T. C., together with two similar but later drip nozzles. loss to one carved leaf (4)

The candle sconces have many chips to the top of the petals with sections missing and a large chip to the base of the drip tray. Surface dirt and minor chips throughout. The two later drip nozzles are basically in good condition though they have small screws around the interior of the rim and have much surface dirt.
"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 extensive woodcarving to be found in the State Rooms at Chatsworth is referred to in the 6th Duke's Handbook, p. 119-120. Gibbon is generally believed to have been the carver employed here. Whoever carved, his triumph is in the first room (The State Dining Room): the game, fish and fruit over the chimney piece are perfection. I hope to find Gibbon's receipts, or some proof of his having served, but at present there is none; a Mr. Ashton, who was Sir Jeffry's foreman, and succeeded him, has sent me a most curious collection of papers, formerly entrusted to Sir Jeffry, in which I find that Talman, the surveyor or architect, had employed Thomas Young for carving in 1688, and in 1693 Joel Lobb and Samuel Watson, who were engaged to finish the carving of the Queen of Scot's apartment, and not to work at the South rooms until that was done; and in 1694 they received 'my Lord his Grace's order to buy Limetree, to finish the carving in the great chamber.