Lot 313
  • 313

TIFFANY STUDIOS | "Dragonfly" and "Arrowhead" Cigar Lighter

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description

  • Tiffany Studios
  • "Dragonfly" and "Arrowhead" Cigar Lighter
  • impressed TIFFANY STUDIOS/NEW YORK/1660
  • silvered, gilt and enameled bronze, ivorine
  • 2 3/4  x 4 1/8  x 2 1/2  in. (7 x 10.5 x 6.4 cm)
  • circa 1905
en suite with the previous and following lots

Provenance

Private Collection, New York, circa 1970
Thence by descent to the present owner

Literature

Hugh McKean, The Lost Treasures of Louis Comfort Tiffany, New York, 1980, no. 232 (for a related pitcher with similar decorative technique)
Timeless Beauty, The Art of Louis Comfort Tiffany, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Atglen, PA, 2016, p. 125 (for a related pitcher with similar decorative technique)

Condition

Overall very good condition. The surfaces throughout appear to be in untouched original condition. The bronze surfaces with very few scattered minor surface scratches and rubbing to the patina, consistent with age and gentle handling. The recessed areas of the design with some extremely light surface soiling. The gilt decoration presents with wonderful luster and luminosity and is in overall good condition with some expected scattered areas of losses throughout. The silvered decoration with losses throughout, visible in the catalogue illustration and consistent with age and gentle handling. The enameled surfaces present with subtle green tones effectively reinforcing the arrowhead and dragonfly motifs, and are in very good condition with some scattered occasional small losses. The spout with some concentrated residue and discoloration consistent with use. The cigar lighter lacks a lid. The original handle has been recently sensitively replaced with ivorine by a professional silver conservator and presents with a slightly warm cream hue when viewed in person compared to the catalogue illustration. An extremely rare, charming, and intricate work, presented en suite with the cigar and cigarette humidors (see lots 312 and 314).
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.