Tiffany Studios

Grand Hôtel, Stockholm, Sweden
Presented to an employee of the Grand Hôtel, circa 1920
Thence by descent to the present owner

Overall in very good condition. One shade with approximately 2 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout; the second shade with approximately 6 cracks to the glass tiles dispersed throughout. Both shades with surface soiling to the recessed contours of the glass and adjacent contours of the shade leading, most prevalent to the top regions of the ball shades, as well as a few very tiny paint specks. (If desired this surface soiling could be removed with a gentle cleaning.) The patinated bronze surfaces of the rare tripod floor bases display an exceptionally deep and rich green and russet brown patina. The bronze surfaces throughout with some occasional light surface scratches and abrasions, gentle rubbing to the high points of the design, and some very minor surface residue and discolorations to the bases. The perimeter contours on the top rims of the bases (just below the shades) with some small isolated areas of surface abrasions and patina losses. The lamps are presently wired with European plugs and are functional with plug adapters for American standards. (If desired the bases could easily be re-wired for American standards.) Both floor bases are fitted with one central electric socket which illuminates the shades. Both retain their original Hubbell electric socket casings. The interior electric socket mechanisms have both been recently replaced by a professional electrician and are fully functional. Both pull chains are functional. One pull chain is original, and the other has been recently replaced by a professional Tiffany restorer and is an identical match. Each base is fitted with three small threaded ball screws which secure the shades when installed in the bases. Four of these ball screws have been recently replaced by a Tiffany restorer, executed to match their original counterparts. (The replacements are only evident under very close inspection and are secured with slightly larger fitting hardware and tiny washers on the interior.) The shades display a highly artistic and naturalistic glass selection, showing a beautiful gradation in the background glass from vibrant cobalt blue along the lower registers to lighter cobalt in the upper registers. When viewed in person the shades display a far more vibrant and nuanced glass selection than seen in the catalogue illustrations. A rare opportunity to acquire a well-matched pair of these exceedingly rare lamps in original condition with a remarkable historic provenance of descending together from the period from the Grand Hotel in Stockholm (see catalogue footnote).
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.

These magnificent floor lamps were part of the interior furnishings of the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm in the early twentieth century.  The hotel was founded by French chef Régis Cadier in 1874, and  remains today one of the premiere hotels in Europe.  In 1898 the interior of the hotel was renovated by leading architects, Thure Stenberg and Ludvig Peterson, who had previously worked in the United States.  These floor lamps remained until the early 1920s, at which time the hotel underwent a major renovation to the Swedish Grace style, and the lamps were gifted to a hotel staff member.  They have remarkably descended in the same family to the present date, remaining together as a pair.