A pair of Victorian cast iron console tables circa 1842, by James Yates of Rotherham

with shaped white and black veined marble tops, (one replaced), the frieze centred with a mask head, on leaf and scroll cast cabriole legs joined by a shaped stretcher, stamped JAMES YATES/ Rotherham , one table stamped Registered, March 22 1842 No 1148, the other stamped Registered, March 22 1842 No 1148, slightly differing measurements to marble tops

One marble top a replacement but with some age. Old marks and scratches. Verdis gris finish to both which could well be later. Later backboards. One joint loose at the front of one table which can easlily be repaired.Good general condition. Extremely decorative.
"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."

Rapid technological advances made at the end of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th century in the production of cast iron made it a popular material for all manner of items including furniture. Only a few great artists however supplied the foundries that sprang up with drawings and recognised the potential of this material. In the early part of the 19th century William Bullock, the brother of George was known to have used the material. Karl Friedrich Schinkel was also a great proponent of the material. 

After the sobre period of neo classical and Grecian taste, fashion turned once more to the more exuberant designs of the roccoco in the second quarter of the 19th century. The present tables which show the strong influences of the designs of William Jones, Batty Langley and Mattias Lock, reflect this change of taste.

James Yates was the founder of the firm Yates, Haywood and Co., the iron founders, at Effingham Works, Rotherham. In 1832 Yates took over the Walkers` Foundry business and went into partnership with Charles Samuel Roberts Sandford at the Phoenix Works. In 1833 the Rotherham Foundry was taken over and in 1832 William Owen was taken into the partnership. The partnership was subsequently dissolved in 1838 with Sandford and Owen taking the Phoenix Works while Yates took the Rotherham foundry which specialised in stove grate work. It is during this period that the present tables were made.  Yates remained on his own until 1846 when George Haywood and John Drabble were taken into partnership and the Company took the name Yates, Haywood and Co. Yates, Haywood and Co., received considerable praise for their work at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park. The firm continued in various guises until 1970. 

For comparison, a related table by Yates, Haywood & Co. is illustrated in Georg Himmelheber, Cast Iron Furniture, 1996, p.228.