A pair of Regency cut-glass and gilt-metal two-light candelabra in the manner of Blades circa 1810

each with a circular cut-glass foot supporting a vase shaped stem on a stepped and faceted socle, the two foliate gilt-metal arms with dished circular drip pans hung with drops and icicles and with goblet-form candle holders, the glass finial in the form of a stylized spray of feathers.

Sotheby's, New York, October 11, 1996, lot 61

Overall good condition, each with a different pair of drip pans and drops, some drops lacking and replaced, minor chips to extremities of cut glass and to drops, gilt-bronze in good condition with minor wear.
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.

The firm of John Blades is first recorded in 1783 at 5 Ludgate Hill, remaining at this address until his death in 1829. He was Master of the Glass Sellers Company in 1808 and 1824, and it appears that his firm had an extensive business in the Middle East and India, opening a branch in Calcutta in partnership with a Mr. Matthews. The architect J. B. Paworth designed his new showrooms which were illustrated by Robert Ackermann in his influential The Repository of Arts, Literature and Fashion & c., and apparently was also involved in some of the innovative designs for Blades, in particular the introduction of the rule-cut drop known as a 'lob'.

The present candelabra clearly illustrate Blade's brilliant method of cutting glass combined with finely finished gilt-metal mounts.