The Chesterfield Service: A set of six George IV silver candlesticks, Robert Garrard, London, 1826

in rococo style and of substantial weight, cast with scrolls, foliage, and panels of scalework, engraved with contemporary crests, detachable nozzles, marked on base rims and nozzles, numbered 2, 4-8.

Four: Inherited from Evelyn Bartlett
Two: Sale: Sotheby's, London, November 12, 1998, Lot 112

base rims with dings, otherwise good crisp 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.

The crest is that of George Stanhope, 6th Earl of Chesterfield (1805-1866), son of George, 5th Earl, himself the cousin of the 4th Earl, the famous politician, diplomat, and letter-writer.  The 6th Earl succeeded to the title in 1815, when he was only ten years old; on coming of age in 1826, he ordered a considerable quantity of plate, supplements to the famous rococo ambassadorial service ordered by the 4th Earl.

The 6th Earl served as Master of the Buckhounds to William IV and on the Privy Council, but his great passion was for horse racing.  His victories, however, were not enough to offset the great expense of his hobby or his extravagant lifestyle. Diarist Henry Greville wrote, "It makes me sad to see Bretby [Chesterfield's estate] and the mode of life there; idleness, folly, waste, and a constant progress to ruin; a princely fortune dilapidated by sheer indolence, because the obstinate spoiled owner will neither look into his affairs nor let anybody else look into them.  He lies in bed half the day, and rises to run after pleasure in whatever shape he can pursue it; abhors business and has no sense of duty."  Greville later estimated that the earl wasted nearly half his fortune.

Other lots from the 6th Earl's 1826 purchase of plate from Garrard include dinner plates and soup plates (Sotheby's, New York, April 17, 1996, lot 236) and a pair of magnificent wine coolers (Sotheby's London, February 4, 9, & 15, 1988, lot 113) copied from the famous Lamerie/Crespin examples of the 4th Earl.