A pair of George III fluorspar, alabaster and Ashford marble obelisks, Derbyshire, late 18th century

For comparison there was almost an identical pair, albeit in Blue John but of the same flattened form and with the same bases, formerly in the collection of Simon Sainsbury, these were sold Christie’s London, 18 June 2008, as lot 87. The combination of materials is very specific to the Derbyshire region. For similar see those at the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery and at Chatsworth House both located in Derbyshire.