A pair of George III ormolu-mounted white marble candlesticks attributed to Matthew Boulton circa 1770

Ovearll good condition; the giling to the ormolu with some rubbing and wear to high places; the marble with some minor discoloration in places with some very minor chips.
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.

The design of the present pair of candlesticks is illustrated in Boulton’s Pattern Book I, p. 171, no. 14 the only difference being the inclusion of beaded rims to the stepped base of the present candlesticks which lack in the drawing.  Few examples of this type of candlestick have survived, one of which was with Hostpur, Ltd., and is illustrated by Nicholas Goodison in Matthew Boulton: Ormolu, Christie’s Books, London, 2002, p. 185, fig. 129.  Goodison states that ‘several of the pairs of candlesticks included in the sale [Christie’s sale of Matthew Boulton’s stock] in 1771 remained unsold’ as it was cheaper to buy the silver-plated versions (ibid., p. 184).