A pair of cut glass and white metal Argand lamp table candelabra circa 1830, by Thomas Messenger & Sons, Birmingham and London

each with twin branches, the burners bearing the trade label `MESSENGER & SONS, LONDON & BIRMINGHAM' 

Good overall condition
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Thomas Messenger began as a maker of furniture mounts, but by 1826 had established himself as a lamp-maker with premises both in Birmingham and in London. A trade label of circa 1835 indicates that, in partnership with his sons, he produced `Chandeliers, Tripods and Lamps of Every description in bronze and ormolu. Among Messengers's clients was the 4th Duke of Newcastle, who on a visit to Birmingham in 1838 commissioned three pairs of Antique style lamps based on an engraving by Piranesi, one of which was sold Christie's London, 29 November 1984, lot 91 (cf. Jessica Rutherford, Country House Lighting 1660-1890, exh. cat., Temple Newsam, 1992, pp. 145-146, No.121, illus; and Christopher Gilbert and Anthony Wells-Cole, The Fashionable Fireplace 1660-1840, Ibid, 1985, p.81, No.76, Art Gallery, and a colza oil hanging light produced by the firm circa 1825-30, sold Phillips, Domestic Interior, 1991, P.175, No.583). Gasoliers by Messenger were exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1862, and the firm continued to flourish throughout the 19th century (cf. J.B. Waring, Masterpieces of Industrial Art and Sculpture at the International Exhibition, 1862, pl.246, repr. Bourne & Brett, op. cit., p.218, No.714; and Rutherford, op. cit., p.96, fig.52). A pair of William IV gilt-brass colza lamps by Thomas Messenger & Sons, sold Sotheby's London, 10 November 1995, lot 11.