A Regency ormolu and cut-glass nine-light chandelier, attributed to John Blades, circa 1820

the upper part with an ormolu palm leaf corona hung with drops, the secondary corona ornamented with stars and hung with a curtain of drops, the main outer frame with nine cut-glass nozzles with ormolu baluster supports and cut-glass drip-pans with cascades of drops and alternating ormolu laurel leaves, the outer frame with faceted drops and festoons, the main shaft with a tapering cascade of crystal drops in tiers, ending in a crystal knop

In fine condition with minor losses and replacements to glass. There is one drop missing to lower tier, 2 drops to middle tier and 5 roundels to frieze. These can easily be replaced by a professional. Of great presence and beauty. The bronze 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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."

Comparative Literature:
Howard Coutts, 'London Cut Glass, The Work  of John Blades and Messrs. Jones', Antique Collecting. vol. 22, No. 2, June 1987, pp. 22-24).
Rudolph Ackermann, Repository of Arts, August 1822.
Jonathan Bourne and Vanessa Brett, Lighting in the Domestic Interior, Renaissance to Art Nouveau, Sotheby’s, 1991.

John Blades was a leading glass-manufacturer during the early part of the 19th century and was first recorded in 1783 as trading from premises at 5 Ludgate Hill, London where he continued to conduct business until his death in 1829.   By 1789 he had been appointed glass-maker to George III, succeeding Lazarus Jacobs, and went on to become the first and virtually only glass manufacturer in England who produced chandeliers and candelabra on a large and grandiose scale. 

In 1797, the Drapers' Company commissioned John Blades to produce two chandeliers for the Court Room.  These survive and thereby confirm his reputation as anticipating the 'fountain' style chandelier which the Prince of Wales later introduced at Carlton House in the early 1800s. In addition to other important English clients such as the Marquis of Westminster at Eaton Hall, Cheshire, Blades also attracted commissions from abroad from amongst others, the King of Persia, the Pasha of Egypt, the Tzar of Russia, whilst concurrently supplying George III and the government with pieces intended for export as diplomatic gifts.