Tiffany Studios

Private Collection, New York, ca. 1900
Dr. Paluel Flagg, ca. 1930
Thence by descent
The Maryknoll Sisters, ca. late 1960s
Stanley Kofod, ca. 1969-1983
Private Collection, 1983 to the present

These windows were recently de-installed from their historic residential interior, and were cleaned and stabilized by a professional studio specializing in Tiffany window conservation. The windows are structurally sound. Window illustrated top in catalogue: With approximately 27 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout the window panel. Most of these cracks were stabilized with Hextal (an archival clear resin proven not to discolor over time). Window illustrated bottom in catalogue: With approximately 22 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout the window panel. Most of these cracks were stabilized with Hextal (an archival clear resin proven not to discolor over time). The windows still retain very old painted wood frames (which appear to date from their original installation in Overcliff). These painted frames show considerable wear, losses and some seam separations at the corners consistent with age. The reinforcement bars on the front of the windows appear to be original. With considerable select plating on the reverse. The windows display exceptional early artistic glass, including mottled, intensely striated, vigorous drapery, and confetti glass. The glass is far more vibrant and displays greater artistic nuances than seen in the catalogue illustrations. The windows present beautifully in person with great visual interest and depth, and would make a stunning installation. Both windows are accompanied by a custom-designed light box (one for each window panel), which will be available to the successful buyer.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

These early artistic Tiffany windows were originally installed in a Fifth Avenue mansion in New York, and were later moved around 1930 to "Overcliff," a magnificent shingle-style residence perched atop a steep cliff in historic Park Hill. "Overcliff" was originally built in 1893 for Edwin K. Martin, president of the American Real Estate Company that developed the surrounding community.  The second owner of the house, Dr. Paluel Flagg, incorporated these three windows in the ornate private chapel that he commissioned for the residence around 1930.  Over 200 masses were celebrated in this chapel, hosted by many local luminaries including Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.  The windows remarkably remained in Overcliff's chapel until their recent de-installation.