TIFFANY STUDIOS | "Turtle-Back" Chandelier from the Collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany

Collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany, Laurelton Hall, Laurel Hollow, New York
Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, Objects of Art of Three Continents and Antique Oriental Rugs, The Extensive Collection of the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation, September 25, 1946, lot 283
Acquired from the above sale by a Private Collector
Thence by descent to the present owner

Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, p. 274

Overall very good condition. The chandelier was in the personal collection of Louis C. Tiffany, installed at his Laurelton Hall estate in Laurel Hollow, New York, and subsequently sold in the historic auction of the contents of Laurelton Hall at Parke Bernet galleries in 1946. The chandelier has remained in the family of the original purchaser from that auction. When viewed firsthand with internal remitted light, the shade displays a rich warm palette of fiery orange, garnet and crimson red, coral, and amber. The turtle-backs display a range of orange hues with some subtle pink undertones, their darkness depending on the thickness of each individual turtle-back tile. With outside reflected light, the shade displays a more subdued palette of reds, oranges, ambers and pinks, which are further enhanced by the luminous gilding to the leadwork. The shade with approximately 5 hairline cracks dispersed throughout, stable. Three tiles in the lower geometric border have been replaced with complementary period TIffany glass. The shade with some extremely light surface soiling concentrated to the contours adjacent to the leadlines. The leading with light rubbing to the gilding on the leading. The shade cap appears to be original and displays with some rubbing to the gilding. With a later replaced chain with rubbing and wear. The chandelier lacks a ceiling canopy. All sockets and paddle switches appear to be original and undisturbed. A magnificent, highly sophisticated design with refined scale and proportion and a very striking and unusual glass selection.
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.