A rare George II eight-branch cut-glass chandelier circa 1730

the shaped branches issuing from a diamond-cut bowl beneath a central column formed of diamond-cut spheres, with a cut pendant finial below

Good general condition. Minor chips to pendant finial. ONe bowl beneath a drip-pan cracked.
"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 obvious fragile nature of this type of chandelier has meant that few have survived and examples are therefore rare.

A similar cut-glass chandelier, formerly at Thornham Hall, Suffolk and now in the colelction of the Winterthur Museum, U.S.A. is illustrated Martin Mortimer, The English Glass Chandelier, 2000, p.10, pl.1. Another example exists in the collection of the Dukes of Devonshire at Chatsworth, illustrated in The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth, The House, 2002, p.189.

For further comparison, see also another glass chandelier, Sotheby`s Important Furniture, Ceramics, Clocks, Tapestries, Silver & Vertu, 6th July 2011, lot 70, sold for £115,000.