TIFFANY STUDIOS | A Rare “Turtle-Back” Double Inkstand

with side candleholder, two period clear glass inkwell liners and three period pens

Private Northeast Collection

Robert Koch, Louis C Tiffany's Glass, Bronzes, Lamps: A Complete Collector's Guide, New York, 1989, p. 90
Robert Koch, Louis C. Tiffany: The Collected Works of Robert Koch, Atglen, PA, 2001, p. 214
John Loring, Louis Comfort Tiffany at Tiffany & Co., New York, 2002, p. 199
Alastair Duncan, Louis C. Tiffany: The Garden Museum Collection, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2004, p. 368
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, pp. 394, no. 1599, 429, no. 1701 and 435, no. 1724

Overall very good condition. The wood surfaces throughout with occasional scattered minor abrasions and light surface wear consistent with age and gentle handling. With some scattered minor discolorations and ink stains. The proper right front foot with a small area of wear to the bottom edge, visible in the catalogue illustration and not visually detractive. The patinated bronze elements are in very good condition with scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, surface soiling to the recessed contours of the design, and some expected occasional discolorations and ink stains. The turtle-back tiles appear original and undisturbed and present with strong iridescence and a range of hues from soft yellow to blue. The proper left hinged inkwell lid does not close completely flush, visible in the catalogue illustration. With two period inkwell liners in very good condition with ink stains to their interiors. The side candleholder in very good condition with some minor expected rubbing and loss to the patina where the stem installs into the inkstand. The blown glass ball is in very good condition and displays with strong color and luminous iridescence consistent with the turtle-back tiles. The front of the inkstand with staggered pen hooks for three pens. This lot includes three period pens (as shown in the catalogue illustration), each with a different decorative motif, all in very good condition with some minor rubbing to the patina and traces of oxidation. An extremely rare and inventive design by Tiffany Studios in beautiful original 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.
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.