A George IV patinated bronze and Siena marble desk weight late 1820s

in the form of a standing giraffe, together with another of the 'The Dying Gaul', on a similar base (2)

Both are in good condition with only a few minor chips to the plinth bases. 'The Dying Gaul' figure's sword is detached.
"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 desk weight records one of the first living giraffes to be seen in Europe since the Medici Giraffe of 1486. In 1827 three animals were presented by Mehmet Ali Pasha to George IV, the Emperor Francis II of Austria, and Charles X of France. The giraffe presented to the former was sent to Windsor where it was painted by Jacques-Laurent Agasse. Sadly it only lived a short time. Indeed the only one to survive more than two years was Charles X's animal, known as Zarafa. 

The 6th Duke later purchased four giraffes for his menagerie at Chiswick which where paraded on the far side of the lake during the visit of Tsar Nicholas I in June 1844.