Tiffany Studios

with an early and rare reticulated blown glass base

Ellsworth family, Brooklyn, NY
Presented as a wedding gift to Cornelia Headen and Harry M. Ellsworth, 1905
Bequeathed from the above to the present owner, 1956

Overall in very good condition. This lamp is being consigned by descendants of the original owners, and by all accounts the shade and base originated together. The shade with approximately 25 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout, and with scattered surface soiling along some of the contours of the shade leading. The shade is slightly out of round, and would benefit from being aligned through sensitive restoration. The exceedingly rare favrile glass blown-out base is in extraordinary condition. By all accounts the green favrile glass which is blown through the base reticulations appears to be original with no visible condition issues or restoration. (The glass was closely examined by carefully dismantling the base.) With surface soiling along the perimeter edges of the protruding glass elements in the base. The patinated bronze surfaces of the base with some light surface wear, rubbing to the patina, and surface soiling consistent with age. When the base was adapted to electricity (from originally being an oil lamp), the oil canister, center of the underbase, and top perimeter edge of the base were drilled in order for the electric cord to extend from the base. The oil canister is now fixed to the base. With period shade arms, socket cluster and burner knobs. One of the burner knobs presently serves as the switch to the lamp. The lamp displays beautifully in person and is a highly visual and harmonious unit, as the vibrant green glass in the base is well complemented by the greens in the shade. The shade with a very artistic glass selection, displaying highly unusual mauve background glass streaked with greens and yellows.
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.