A pair of French silver seven-light candelabra, André Aucoc, Paris, circa 1890

finely modelled after Jacques Roettiers, with lovers in a rocky landscape on a rocaille base with flowers and ribbon-tied bullrushes, detachable sconces and nozzles

Marked on bases, branches, sconces and most detachable nozzles; one nozzle lacking; the bases signed 'A. AUCOC'; hairline split to one branch near join with body (not serious); there are slight differences in detail between the two candelabra as they are a proper pair, being opposites, and not exact casts of each other; overall condition excellent, very well modelled and full of charm.
"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 model for these candelabra can be found in a work published in Paris in 1748, by Pierre Germain, `Elements d'orfevrerie...' no. 71. in which drawings by Pierre Germain himself as well as Jacques Roettiers both Royal Goldsmiths were illustrated. No 71 may have been a drawing for a royal commission as 72 another candelabra similar in concept and detail includes a crown as part of the ornament.

The origins of Aucoc, the celebrated Parisian goldsmiths and jewellers, is at present somewhat obscured by conflicting accounts and information. It is clear, however, that by the 1830s Jean-Baptiste-Casimir Aucoc was head of the business at 4bis rue de la Paix, from which address he entered a maker's mark on 30 July 1839. Specializing in high quality necessaires, the firm's work was shown at the French national exhibitions of 1827, 1839 and 1844. They were also present at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, where they won a Prize Medal for 'The beautiful fittings for travelling cases... containing very important articles of silver and silver-gilt worked in the English style' (Reports by the Juries, Class XXIII, p. 518). Upon J.-B.-C. Aucoc quitting the business it was continued by his son, Louis who in turn was succeeded 1887 by his son, André. The latter was born in Paris on 16 March 1856 and married on 30 September 1883 Pauline Marie Louise Thomas. André Aucoc died at 103 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris, on 28 February 1911.