A pair Victorian cut-glass and gilt-brass candlesticks circa 1880, by F & C Osler

with diamond-cut decoration throughout, with slender stems and trumpet bases, raised on flattened bun feet, stamped Osler & Co

A decorative pair. Minor chips and scratches to glass elements. Brass slightly tarnished and could benefit from a clean according to taste.
"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 firm of F. & C Osler was originaly founded in 1807 and eventually grew to become one of the largest glass manufacturers in England, continuing in business until 1970s. The firm first came to public attention in 1847 when, on a visit to its factory in Birmingham, Ibraham Pasch commissioned a pair of chandeliers for the Tomb of the Prophet Mohammed. In 1848 the Prince Consort acquired a pair of Osler chandeliers, which survive at Osborne House, and in the same year the firm published a design for an Elizabethan style chandelier in The Art Journal . Osler was naturally among the manufacturers represented at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and in 1856 received a commission for a magnificent chandelier of 132 lights for the Concert Room of St George`s Hall, Liverpool. Examples of the company`s work were shown at the Paris Exhibition in 1862, and in 1875 Osler was commissioned to provide anothjer large-scale chandelier for the Mansion House, London, official residence of the Lord Mayor.

The history of the company is documented in a remarkable archive which survives in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and a selection of its work is illustrated in John P. Smith, The Art of Enlightenment, 1994, pp.38-43.

For comparison see Sotheby`s London, 29th September 1999, lot 127 and Christie`s London, English and Continental Furniture, 26th September 2001, lot 163.