Tiffany Studios

comprising a “Bell” lamp, miniature lamp, photograph frame, large paper rack, letter rack, large letter scale, small letter scale, spindle, paper weight, letter clip, pad holder, four blotter corners (not shown), “new style” pen tray, easel pen rack, pen wipe, letter opener, reading glass, seal, rocker blotter, pen brush, small round inkstand, square inkstand, large round inkstand, large square inkstand, double inkstand, flat calendar, daily calendar, sliding book rack (not shown), large handkerchief box, glove box, hexagon twine ball holder, double card case, rectangular box, round box with cover, cigarette and match box, match safe, match stand, two cigar boxes and ashtray

Overall in very good condition. This is an assembled set and therefore the patinas and glass selection differ slightly in each piece. The bronze surfaces throughout retain a deep and rich green and russet brown patina, showing gentle rubbing and light surface soiling in some of the recessed contours consistent with age and use. With some concentrated minor areas of discoloration and a few occasional areas of oxidation. The glass possibly replaced in the large square box, the large letter rack, the sliding book rack, medium rectangular box, large scale, frame and second medium box. The shade of the “bell” table lamp possibly has been re-blown at some point in the piece’s history. Presently it shows in a brighter green hue. The rim of the shade with two cracks, one which extends down 1/8 inch into the collar and extends 1/3 of the diameter of the aperture. The lamp retains the original socket, paddle switch and shade screws. With concentrated areas of oxidation to the metal collar at the top aperture of the shade, which is not as readily apparent once the shade is installed in the base. The miniature lamp appears to retain the original socket and switch. The large photograph frame lacking clear glass face. The large paper rack with some discoloration and oxidation to the bronze edges and the interior. The reverse of this element and smaller letter rack are finished with green glass and decorative bronze “Grapevine” overlay. The large letter scale lacking the top metal element to affix the paper displaying the measurements, and therefore the paper is currently pulled away from the scale slightly at the immediate top. The pad holder with a wooden base with minor surface scratches, edge chips and nicks from use. The four blotter corners, not shown in the catalogue illustration, are decorated with the grapevine pattern openwork. With some minor oxidation to the interior surface of the corners. The easel pen tray with discoloration and oxidation to the vertical edges. The pen wipe with fading to the fabric and two concentrated areas of ink stains from use. The rocker blotter with discoloration to the metal side panels and staining from use to the paper blotter pad. The blotter pad also with one small tear at the edge measuring ½ x ¼ inch approximately. Each of the inkstands with period clear glass inkwells. The small round inkstand with green oxidation to the exterior and exterior. The interior of the small square inkstand with ink staining to the rim of the inkwell, the interior of the glass inkwell and the interior lid of the ink pot. The top of this inkwell presents with rubbing and a richer brown patina in comparison to the base. The large round inkstand with minor ink staining and oxidation to the interior lid of the ink pot and minor edge flecks to the glass inkwell. The large square inkstand with ink staining to the front of the upper exterior edge. The glass inkwell with flecks to the interior rim across the entire diameter and the interior lid of the ink pot with oxidation and discoloration. Also with a plastic insert for the inkwell which is stained with black ink to the top and extends ¾ inch to the exterior. The double inkstand with ink staining to the upper front and side edges of the case, and with oxidation and discoloration to the interior of the ink pot lid. Minor rubbing to the exterior of each ink pot lid from prior use. The calendar with two original paper monthly cards (May- August and September-December) and two greens cards with the days of the month. The bookrack measures 14 ¼ x 6 ¼ closed and has two collapsible “Grapevine” decorated adjustable bookends. The match stand is offered with a box of period matches. One of the largest and comprehensive desk sets offerings ever to appear on the auction market comprising many rare individual elements.
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.

Although Tiffany Studio’s official title for the pattern of this desk set was “Etched Glass and Metal,” the extraordinary variety of pieces and multiple variants of the motif and patina have forced today’s collectors to be more specific in their nomenclature. One of the largest sets of the “Grapevine” pattern ever to be assembled (there is an impressive 26-item set in The Metropolitan Museum of Art), spanning years of collecting, the present lot epitomizes, in the words of Alastair Duncan, “the bygone letter-writing age.”  Nearly 100 “Grapevine” pattern designs in total were produced over a 20-year span, including several other non-desktop designs in the pattern which are being offered throughout this sale.