TIFFANY STUDIOS | A Rare Sixteen-Piece “Byzantine” Desk Set

comprising a large letter rack, small letter rack, notepad, photograph frame, calendar frame, inkstand, rocker blotter, box, scale, pen tray, stamp dish, paperclip and four blotter cornersthe inkstand with a period clear glass liner

Acquired directly from the firm by Franklin Pettit, Sr.
Thence by descent to Franklin Pettit, Jr., New York
Thence by descent
Private Collection, Alabama
Thence by descent to the present owner

Alastair Duncan, Tiffany At Auction, New York, 1981, p. 55 (for the inkstand)
George A. Kemeny and Donald Miller, Tiffany Desk Treasures: A Collector’s Guide, New York, 2002, pp. 40-43
John Loring, Louis Comfort Tiffany at Tiffany & Co., New York, 2002, pp. 167 (for the inkstand), 184 and 186-187
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, pp. 486-487
William R. Holland, Tiffany Desk Sets, Atglen, PA, 2008, pp. 213-216

Overall in very good condition. A rare and highly desirable pattern, this set is enriched further by its provenance dating back to the period and the presence of the original owners monogram throughout the set. The bronze surfaces display rich and luminous gilding. The bronze with scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, rubbing and minor losses to the patina, and minor traces of oxidation and surface soiling to the recessed contours of the design, consistent with age and gentle use. The elements are decorated with a combination of red-orange glass and deeper red glass jewels, which create stunning visual interest throughout the set. The inkstand and two of the four blotter corners with a few minor losses to the red glass jewel decorations. The box and notepad with a few minor hairline cracks to the inset glass. The pen tray and one of the four blotter corners with more concentrated cracks and associated losses to the inset glass. The wood backing of the notepad with scattered surface scratches, abrasions, and edge wear, consistent with age and use. The scale with wear and loss to the printed measurements. The photograph and calendar frames each with a clear glass face. The inkstand with a clear class liner that appears to be original and presents with minor traces of ink residue. This set is offered together with a “Pine Needle” magnifying glass, which presents with scattered surface scratches, abrasions, and surface soiling consistent with age and use. The frame encircling the magnifying glass with some loosening and seam separation, which has made the glass insert become detached. This lot presents collectors with the rare opportunity to acquire a comprehensive set from this exceedingly rare and complex desk set pattern.
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.