RARE GEORGE II BRASS KETTLE AND TRIPOD STAND, SECOND QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

The kettle appears original to the hollow-cast stand.

A fine and very rare example generally in good order. Wear to brass from polish. The kettle with soldered repairs to lid at hinge site and the wicker woven cover to the handle almost certainly later. Filled holes to area that supported the spirit lamp on the base. Overall Height: 34 inches Width: 13 inches Diameter: 14 1/2 inches
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.

This finely worked brass tripod stand and kettle are similar to other rare examples in silver and the baluster stem and pad feet relate to mahogany forms from the second quarter of the 18th century. These mahogany kettle stands were conceived to support a silver tray, heater and kettle. Brass was perhaps a more practical material than mahogany and definitely not as expensive as silver, but equally impressive when deployed in a smart Drawing Room for the costly ritual of taking tea. For a less elaborate stand in an altered state, see that sold from the collection of the late Simon Sainsbury, Christie's, London, June 18, 2008, lot 54 and also see an example illustrated Rupert Gentle, Rachael Field, Domestic Metalwork 1640-1820, (England, 1994), pp. 307-308.