A pair of Victorian gilt-brass dragon fire dogs circa 1850, attributed to Mark Feetham & Co.,

in Chinoiserie style

Good overall condition with characteristic rubbing
"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 dragons on the present firedogs are identical to a pair on a fender now in the Banqueting room at George IV`s Royal Pavilion, Brighton. After her succession as Queen in 1837,  Queen Victoria decided to remove some of the more elaborate and exotic fittings from the Pavilion at Brighton and incorporate them into Buckingham Palace.  The pavilion was acquired by Brighton Corporation in 1850 and had differing subsequent uses.

To replace the fittings removed by the Queen, various fittings including chimney pieces were commissioned in 1850 which were inspired by the originals ( illus. Clifford Smith, Buckingham Palace, London, 1930,  pl. 285).  It is not known whether the fender, currently in the banqueting room was commissioned to replace the fire furniture removed to Buckingham Palace at the time the replaced chimney pieces were installed or whether it was acquired at a much later date

The style and quality of the would suggest William or Mark Feetham as possible makers. William Feetham was born in 1769 and was trading as a Furnishing Ironmonger at  296 Oxford Street in 1805. His youngest brother Mark  became his apprentice in 1821 and subsequently became a partner in the business.

William Feetham had a town house in Clifford Street, near Bond Street and adapted the interior as a showroom. The rear premises were used as a metal foundry. The house remained their show room until 1896. William Feetham died in 1849 and the firm came under the control of Mark his brother. He had been joined by Edward Sayer as apprentice in 1837 who had a great flair for design and technical skills and enabled the firm to take its place amongst the old established firms i the West End. They became Royal Tradesmen and produced some of the finest and most expensive chimney pieces and grates in the country.