'Thomas and Sally'. An ivory fan, English, circa 1760

the leaf painted with the squire trying to woo Sally, Thomas returning just in time, within flower borders, the reverse with chinoiserie ornament among prunus and other flowers, the ivory sticks and guards finely carved and pierced with chinoiserie figures flanked by two painted medallions of flowers, the guards on a pink foil ground, mother of pearl pivot, in a later paper case

some wear along folds and edges commensurate with age, some minor speckles on central section of front leaf, one ivory broken and restuck (now brown due to dirt), but fine carving and piercing overall.
"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."

‘Thomas and Sally’ is a light opera in two acts by Thomas Arne, the first English opera which did not contain any dialogue but was sung throughout. Its author, Thomas Arne, perhaps best-known for composing the anthem ‘Rule Britannia’, was one of the leading British composers of the 18th century.

In the opera, the milkmaid Sally is in despair following the departure of her beloved Thomas, a sailor, for a long sea voyage. In the meantime the local squire, who is in love with Sally, is using the time to try to win Sally's affections. His conspiracy continues until Thomas returns and the happy couple announce their marriage.

FANS  FROM  A  PRIVATE  ENGLISH  COLLECTION
This collection was started in the late nineteen forties with the purchase of a fan from an antique shop opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. The owner of the shop looked kindly on the young girl fascinated by a fan in the shop window and sold it to her for a small sum: a passion for fans began.  While at school and college few fans were acquired, but once at work in the early nineteen sixties the situation improved.  Fans were purchased from the antique shops near the British Museum, those in Bond Street, from traders along Portobello Road and from the mixed auctions that were held prior to the specialised auctions at Sotheby’s, Christie's and Phillips.
After having received much pleasure from the fans for almost 70 years this collector wishes to give a new generation the opportunity to purchase top-quality interesting fans: the following 15 Lots come from her collection.