A large pair of rare KPM ormolu-mounted figural eight-light candelabra circa 1890

each modelled in the Neo-Rococo style as a half-length figure of hunched Pan or Syrinx supporting a shell issuing ormolu branches fitted with eight candleholders, all on a pedestal surmounted with a putto above the high scroll-molded base, sceptre marks in underglaze-blue, printed KPM orb marks in iron-red, impressed letters A or h and numerals 3351 or 3288, incised and painted cyphers.

The candelabrum with Pan (on the right in the catalogue illustration): The top rocaille-molded drip pan of the candlestick has three small chips to the rim edge and a re-gilt pinhead chip. There is another minuscule pinhead chip to the edge of one drip pan in the middle tier. The tip of one extremity of the rocaille-molded shell device is chipped away, right above Pan's right hand. There are some occasional and minor chips or losses to the edges of the leaves overflowing from his cloak and to those applied on the base. Otherwise in good condition. The candelabrum with Syrinx (on the left in the catalogue illustration): The drip pan of one candlestick has two very small chips to the edge. There are some occasional and minor chips or losses to the edges of the leaves and flowers by her cloak and to those applied on the base. There is a small chip the edge of one extremity at one scroll-molded foot and a tiny chip to the right ear of the satyr's mask on another foot. Otherwise in good condition.
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.

A similar pair of candelabra is in the permanent collection of the Hermitage Amsterdam Museum, where it is noted that the candelabra belonged to the service gifted by the German Emperor Wilhelm II (1888-1918) to Nicholas II of Russia (1894-1917) and Alexandra Feodorovna (1894-1917) as a wedding present. Nicholas II and Alexandra married at the Grand Church of the Winter Palace in November 1894. Another similar pair was sold at Christie's New York, October 20, 2009, lot 152; and another pair as part of a clock garniture was sold at Christie's New York, October 21, 2008, lot 107.