CHARLES ROHLFS | An Important Candle Stand

with the original drip pan and adjustable reflector

Sotheby's New York, December 5, 1986, lot 299
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Coy L. Ludwig, The Arts & Crafts Movement in New York State, 1890s-1920s, exh. cat., Tyler Art Gallery, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY, 1983, p. 88
Michael L. James, Drama in Design: The Life and Craft of Charles Rohlfs, exh. cat., Burchfield Art Center/Buffalo State College Foundation, Buffalo, NY, 1994, pp. 51 and 63
Kevin P. Rodel and Jonathan Binzen, Arts & Crafts Furniture: From Classical to Contemporary, Newtown, CT, 2003, p. 201
Joseph Cunningham, The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs, New Haven, CT, 2008, pp. 176 (for an example of the model in the collection of the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh), 216 and 228 (for period photographs of a pair of this candlestick model in situ in Rohlfs' home in the collection of the Winterthur Library)

Overall very good condition. The oak surfaces throughout appear to retain their original rich dark finish, which presents with some occasional extremely minor surface scratches, abrasions, and light wear, consistent with age and gentle handling. All of the copper elements, including the copper top, reflector and drip pan appear original to the candlestand. The copper top, reflector, and drip pan with scattered minor surface scratches, discolorations, and traces of wax residue. The drip pan with more concentrated wax residue. The reverse side of the reflector with a few minor traces of corrosion. The candle reflector is adjustable in height. A small wood peg that fits into a small receiving hole in the copper top on the reverse side of the reflector creates sufficient tension to hold the reflector in place at the desired height. This small wood peg is a modern replacement and effectively secures the reflector at varying heights. A superb example of this rare candlestand design by Charles Rohlfs displaying a highly complex form and exquisitely carved decoration.
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.