A pair of Louis XV/XVI two-handled ormolu-mounted Blue John covered urns circa 1765

the underside of each vase with a red painted number 967A and 967B, respectively.

Jeremy Ltd., London, 1968

Good restored condition; the first with old repaired breaks with restoration to the cover and with some small chips to the rim; some infilling and restoration to body of urn around each winged caryatid figural handle; replaced section to spreading foot approximately 2 x 3/4 in.; the cover to the other urn loose and with chips to the edge especially to one side continuing approximately 1 in.; the body of the urn in good condition and with minor infilling and restoration to thin cracks; old repaired break to the collar and top of spreading foot and with restoration; two shallow chips to the spreading foot; infilled long chip to the edge of foot; the ormolu mounts with minor rubbing and wear; mounts to body of urns slightly loose.
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.

A very similar pair of Blue John vases accompanied by an urn are in the Wallace Collection, London (see P. Hughes, The Wallace Collection, Catalogue of Furniture, London, 1996, Vol. III, pp. 1389-1394, no. 288).

The use of such similar bronzes would imply that these vases were sold by the same marchand mercier who had imported the Blue John from England.