A SILVER CANDELABRUM PRESENTED TO SIR CHARLES HASTINGS, MD, DCL, FGS, WORCESTER, 9 JANUARY 1862, PAUL STORR AND OTHERS, LONDON, 1818-CIRCA 1862

the triform base engraved on one side with an inscription and applied on the other sides with the coat-of-arms, motto and initials of the recipient, furnished with figures of Benevolence, Industry and Wisdom, with a bee hive, child and shield, surrounding the central foliate stem, fitted with three detachable bifurcated two-light branches, each fitted with two screw-on sconces and detachable nozzles, central screw-on bowl, the base and stem, Edward Barnard & Sons, 1837, the branches, sconces and drip pans, Paul Storr, 1818, the figures, Smith, Nicholson & Co, circa 1862, all London; the bowl, applied coat-of-arms and initials apparently unmarked, probably Smith, Nicholson & Co, circa 1862

Base: one figure lacking a staff as seen on the right hand side image of the printed catalogue, good clear marks, good quality of chasing and casting. Branches: two of the branches slightly ill-fitting and would benefit from professional straightening. Central basket: slightly sunken which has caused a 1in split around the central section and some buckling. Large and impressive scale.
"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 inscription reads: ‘Presented to Sir Charles Hastings, M.D., D.C.L., F.G.S., on his retirement from the office of Honorary Physician to the Worcester Infirmary, in acknowledgement of his unwearied and important services to that institution for a period of forty-nine years, of his unceasing efforts to promote the scientific and social interests of his native city and county, and to unite in cordial co-operation the feelings and energies of the Provincial Medical Practitioners. January 9. 1862.’

‘The testimonial subscribed for in order to give a public acknowledgement of the great services of our eminent citizen, Sir Charles Hastings, M.D., to the Worcester Infirmary, the Natural History Society and Museum, and other public objects was presented at a meeting, in the Assembly-room, at the Guildhall [Worcester], last Thursday evening [9 January 1862]. . . . Tea and coffee were served in the Council Chamber, and this refection having been partaken of, the party repaired to the brilliantly lighted Assembly-rooms. Here, on a table, in the centre of the saloon, the testimonial plate was displayed. It formed a magnificent group, and was greatly admired by the company . . . In the centre was a grand candelabrum. It stands on a triangular base, upon each angle of which is a statuette in silver. . . On the table were also a smaller pair of massive candelabra, with figures, and a tray, 26 inches long, with a border representing wild animals. . .’ (Berrow’s Worcester Journal, Worcester, Saturday, 11 January 1862, p. 8)

Sir Charles Hastings (1794-1866), who was knighted in 1850 for his pioneering medical and social work in his native city of Worcester, was one of the founders Worcester Museum of Natural History, opened in 1833.