A pair of George III silver candlesticks, maker's mark of Thomas Holland struck over that of another, London, 1815

cast, the stems as figures in 18^{th Century costume}

Hallmarked on the bases and sconces; the figures with some light wear to faces and costumes but otherwise in overall good condition. For further queries regarding this lot please contact the Silver department directly on +44(0)207.293.5100.
"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 bases and nozzles of these sticks are engraved with the initials and coronet of Harriot, Duchess of St. Albans (1777?-1837), who, as Harriot Mellon, had been a well-known London actress. She quit the stage in 1815 to marry the wealthy banker, Thomas Coutts (1735-1822), 'the richest untitled commoner in the land,' with whom she had been intimate for some years and whose first wife had just died. Subsequently, the widowed Harriot Coutts married in 1827 William Beauclerk, 9th Duke of St Albans (1801-1849). Upon the Duchess's death the bulk of her considerable estate passed to Thomas Coutts's youngest grandchild, Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts (1814–1906), a friend of Queen Victoria and one of the most generous philanthropists of Victorian England. Miss Burdett-Coutts's initials are also engraved on the undersides of these candlesticks as well as the nozzles.

It has long been thought that Edward Farrell was responsible for the manufacturer of much of the silver bearing Thomas Holland's mark before he (Farrell) first entered a mark on his own behalf on 27 April 1813. Various stylistically similar cast sticks have been recorded with Farrell's mark, including a pair of candlesticks with figure stems and reclining figures on their bases, London, 1821, engraved with the arms of George, Prince of Wales (Christie's, London, 24 November 1971, lot 45), and a pair of tapersticks with Chinamen stems, London, 1814 (Sotheby's, London, 20 November 1977, lot 29).

The mystery of who was actually responsible for the making of these present sticks deepens when they are also compared with the work of Samuel Whitford, especially a set of four candlesticks with oriental figure stems and similar rococo bases, London, 1819 (Sotheby's, London, 20 April 1972, lot 92). Whereas Farrell was chiefly employed by the retail goldsmith, Kensington Lewis, the identity of Whitford's outlet has so far not been established. It is worth mentioning, however, that a large silver-gilt sideboard dish bearing his mark, London, 1814, appears to have been specially commissioned by the millionaire collector, William Beckford (1760-1844) of Fonthill Abbey.