A pair of early Empire gilt and patinated bronze six-light candelabra after the model by Pierre-Philippe Thomire 19th century

the scrolled branches cast with wyverns, supported by standing classical maiden figures and seated beasts, on plinths, cast with water gods over verde antico marble veneered bases, one beast lacking

Probably Sir William Forbes, 7th Bt. (1773-1828)

Good quality and an impressive scale. They are in reasonably good condition, with light marks and scratches overall and some movement to the gilt-bronze arms. The marble bases could possibly be replacements. One candelabrum with one beast lacking and fixing holes for pins at this site visible, some movement to the gilt-bronze arms. One drip pan probably later. The other also with one drip pan probably later and some overall pavement, including to both beasts. Some construction cracks to the marble bases. The marble bases with hardly noticeable minor chips. Each lacking drip-pan to central nozzle. One scrolled foliate motif lacking to a candle branch. The polished gilt-bronze with some overall tarnishing in need of some light cleaning according to taste.
"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."

Related Literature:
J. Harris, Buckingham Palace and its Treasures, London, 1968
Y. Zek, Les bronzes décoratifs de Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1741-1843), Leningrad, 1984

This rediscovered pair of candelabra faithfully reproduces a design by Thomire found in an album acquired in Paris in 1801 by A. Potovtzov (fig. 1). One pair with slight variations is in the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg (cf. Zek, op. cit., p. 25, no. 20) while another pair, likely acquired by the Prince of Wales, later King George IV, in 1803, is in the Royal Collection (inv. no. RCIN 937) - this presents identical branches and seated griffons and is, together with the present lot, the closest to the original design. A third pair, with different branches, was offered Sotheby's Paris, B. B. S. Un Hommage, 30 June 2016, lot 159. 

Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) trained in the workshop of Pierre Gouthière in the pre-Revolution years before becoming the most influential bronzier of the First French Empire, and managing to retain the most select clientele under the Restauration.