RARE ENGLISH CUT-GLASS THREE-TIER EPERGNE, FOURTH QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

Associated baskets of various forms with two modern replacements.

The China Shop, Montreal;
Saidye Bronfman, Montreal;
Antiquités Phyllis Friedman Inc., Westmount, Quebec.

Advertisement for Antiquitiés Phyllis Friedman Inc., Maine Antiques Digest, February 1996, pg. 7-C.

Baskets are associated and of various forms. Two baskets are modern replacements. Baskets with some small chips to rims. Metal mounts with rubbing and oxidation.
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.

Sweetmeat poles, or epergnes, were used throughout the eighteenth century as elaborate centerpieces holding candied nuts, dried fruit, and other small dessert items. A three-tiered example is exceedingly rare and an exciting survival. A two-tiered pole with similar curved arms is at Winterthur (1979.0063 E). The fact that the baskets are associated and display slight differences in form is not unusual. Epergnes were often made like tea sets, in that the individual parts were made at different times and sent to the buyer as they were made instead of as a comprehensive set. As pieces arrived at various times or if some broke, the owners might have acquired baskets from an assortment of factories.