Tiffany Studios

Private Collection, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, et. al., Louis Comfort Tiffany and Laurelton Hall:  An Artist's Country Estate, New York, 2006, pp. 91, 137 and 179 (for examples of this model hanging in the living hall of Louis Comfort Tiffany's country estate, Laurelton Hall)

Overall in very good condition. The large oval-shaped tiles with only 2 very small and minor cracks to the glass, both located at the lower left corners of their respective tiles. With approximately 6 minor cracks to the smaller irregular-shaped tiles used throughout the background of the shade. With a few occasional small and minor edge chips and flecks to the tiles, including one shallow surface fleck to one of the background tiles (approximately ¨ü inch diameter). The shade is integrally fitted with an extraordinary reticulated ornamental heat cap that by all accounts appears to be original and undisturbed. The patinated bronze surfaces on the heat cap and accompanying bronze hardware with some expected minor surface wear and rubbing to the patina consistent with age and use. All of the patinated bronze hardware accompanying the chandelier appears to be period, including the link chain, additional connector links and the ceiling cap with integral hook (the latter not shown in the catalogue illustration). With one replaced small screw on one of the two bronze connector links. All of the sockets and paddle switches on the interior socket cluster appear to be period and undisturbed to the chandelier. A superb example of the model displaying an extraordinary selection of Turtleback Tiles. When illuminated the tiles are a glowing warm amber with dramatic fiery red threads visible throughout the glass. When seen with reflected light the tiles display a full range of saturated luminous colors from their intensely iridized surfaces. Please feel welcome to contact the 20th Century Design Department for additional photographs showing the chandelier with reflected light.
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.