Mathieu Béfort dit Béfort Jeune b. 1813 A pair of Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted Sarrancolin marble urns Paris, third quarter 19th century

several bronze mounts have been removed to reveal the marks BF followed by four digit numbers from the workshop's bronze master models

E.  Williamson, Les meubles d'art du mobilier national, 1883, the model illustrated; Jones Collection (No. 1137), Victoria & Albert Museum, illustrated in O. Brackett, Catalogue of the Jones Collection, London, 1922, fig. 4 

Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual light tarnishing to bronze and visible wear to top of male cast handles heads
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.

Alfred Beurdeley also reproduced this model which is itself a recreation of a celebrated Royal model. A single example by him in alabaster was sold at Palais D'Orsay, Collections Beurdeley, Exceptionnel Ensemble de Meubles et Objects d'Art du XIX^ième Siècle, May 16, 1979, lot 48 (illustrated) and was exhibited in his stand at the 1889 Paris Universal Exhibition.