German, Rhineland, 12th century

Overall the condition of the base is good. THere is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling. There are a few minor casting flaws in the crevices. There is some minor greening and some black material on the inside.
"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."

The decoration on the present candlestick base is derived from an influential pair of altar candlesticks from the church in Neef an der Mosel, now in the treasury of the Trier cathedral. 

Inscriptions on the bases of the originals suggest that they were in use as reliquary holders. Such liturgical importance may have promted the reappropriation of the distinct claw feet and pattern of entwined animals on other candlesticks made in areas such as Fritzlar and Westfalen. The present base compares closely to these early Rhenish copies, such as the pair from the Gewerbemuseum in Stuttgart illustrated in Falke and Meyer (op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
O. von Falke and E. Meyer, Romanische Leuchter und Gefässe. Giessgefässe der Gotik, Berlin, 1935, nos. 84a and 105