A rare George III tôle ware urn shaped oil wall lamp, possibly by D. Smith circa 1790

the black ground with neo-classical gilt heightened decoration

Ordered by William Cavendish, 5^th Duke of Devonshire (1748-1811)

Leeds, Temple Newsam, Country House Lighting 1660-1890, 1992, no. 58

Chatsworth Inventory, 1818, possibly p. 50 a Japp^d. Vase lamp and burner

 

Fair condition but the tôle decoration is very worn and chipped with some corrosion throughout.
"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."

There is a transcript of bill at Chastworth from a D. Smith dated August 1783 for lamps for the Hall and Gallery, it reads by order of Mr Gaubert, Japan'd Black Tin oil filler / Ditto lamp lighting burner. This bill could well refer to the offered lot. The design for this lamp relates very closely to that found in an anonymous printed lamp-makers catalogue now in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. (M63i, E,1331-1899)

(Country House Lighting 1660-1890, Temple Newsam, Leeds, in 1992 catalogue no. 62)

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