A pair of George III cut-glass table candelabra late 18th century, attributed to William Parker

the four serrated serpentine candle-branches alternating faceted arms festooned with drop chains and centred on canopied festooned spires above incurved oblong blue and white decorated ceramic stems with gilt-brass platforms and ball feet

Hotspur, 3rd October 1994

Good overall condition. The base of both obelisks has been broken and repaired.
"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 present candelabra with their finely cut drops and arms and shaped blue glass base closely relate to other examples known to have been supplied by William Parker. William Parker (d.1784) founded his glass and lighting business in second half of 18th century operating from 69 Fleet Street, London. The business flourished and in 1817, his son entered into a formal partnership with the Perry family  and in 1820 they became Perry & Co.

William Parker supplied the Duke of Devonshire in 1782-3 with a pair of cut glass candelabra of related form to the present lot - described in his invoice as ` 1 Pair of elegant Patent Gerondoles £28-7-0', and also a set of four related candelabra, both illustrated in Martin Mortimer, The English Glass Chandelier, 2000, pp.96-7.