A Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Tilt –Top Candlestand, New York circa 1770

The surface retains a dark old color. Minor water spotting has existed on parts of the finish on the top and these areas were re-amalgamated by Robert Fileti in March 2001. The top of the block near the pivot pins was reglued by Fileti at the same time. Lacking key.
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.

In the eighteenth century, these stands, in the similar fashion of the popular tea tables, were described as claw, pillar-and-claw, screen, or snap tables.¹  New York craftsmen appeared to favor a vase-and-reel turned standard similar to that exhibited on the present candlestand.  A related mahogany stand described as a "Folding Stand" in the collection at the State Department is attributed to the Albany area of New York as a place of manufacture.² Both share nearly identical turned shafts and knee carvings. 

Examples of New York stands that are similar in form, but lack the leg carving include two stands by the New York City cabinetmaker Thomas Burling; one stand in the collection of The Bowne House Historical Society, Flushing³ and one offered for sale at Christie's.⁴

¹ Nancy E. Richards & Nancy Goyne Evans, New England Furniture at Winterthur Queen Anne and Chippendale, (Winterthur, DE: The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Inc., 1997), p. 274.
² Clement E. Conger, Treasures of State Fine and Decorative Arts in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the U.S. Department of State, (New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1991), no. 34, p. 114.
³ Dean Failey, Long Island is My Nation, (New York: Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, 1998), no. 110, p. 92.
⁴ Christie's New York, Fine American Furniture, Silver, Folk Art and Decorative Arts, January 21, 1989, lot 722.