A pair of George III cut-glass and gilt-metal mounted candelabra, attributed to William Parker, circa 1775

each of the facet-cut candle-arms with drop-hung drip-pans supported by a cut bowl and with a central arm hung with a glass ring and drop united by chains of drops to the arms and beneath a drop-hung spire, the gilt decorated blue socle with gilt-brass moulding and ball feet

Overall in very nice condition and rare survivals. The drip pans and nozzles to the arms previously drilled for electricity. Very slight rubbing to the gilding on the glass bases. top finials possibly replaced. Some possible minor replacements to drops as to be expected.
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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."

This important pair of candelabra or girandoles, are very much in the manner of the London glass makers William Parker. William Parker (d.1784) was the founder of Parker and Perry, whose business in Fleet Street is first recorded in 1762. The business thrived and in 1817 his son entered the business in partnership with the Perry family. One of his earliest recorded commissions appears to be that for supplying chandeliers for Tea Rooms at Bath Assembly Room. The company became known as Perry & Co. in 1820 and was patronised heavily by George IV and his circle and Geroge Perry wrote in 1835; 'We trust that our having made the greater part of the lustres for the late King, and our being now employed in making those for the new Palace of his present Majesty, will be some guarantee for the character of our Manufacture.'

This rare and unusual form of cut glass candelabra has always been one of the most sought after models. The combination of the dazzling cut glass with the rich ormolu mounted base specifically relates a large and well documented commission for the Dukes of Devonshire at both Chatsworth and Devonshire House recorded as One Pair of elegant patent Gerandoles £28-7-0. (Jessica Rutherford, Country House Lighting 1660-1890, Leeds 1992, p. 45, no. 10) Another pair of similar form to the present lot sold Sotheby’s, London, 15 May 2014, lot 345.