TIFFANY STUDIOS | Counter-Balance Desk Lamp

the "Tyler" base with counterweight inset with "Turtle-Back" tiles

Charles Maurer, Cleveland, Ohio
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2008

Robert Koch, Louis C. Tiffany's Glass, Bronzes, Lamps: A Complete Collector's Guide, New York, 1989, p. 133 (for the taller variant of the base)
Robert Koch, Louis C. Tiffany: The Collected Works of Robert Koch, Atglen, PA, 2001, p. 244 (for the taller variant)
Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, p. 87 (for the taller variant)

Overall in very good condition. The blown favrile glass shade is distinguished by the rarity and desirability of its brilliant blue coloration. When viewed with reflected light, the shade displays a range of rich blues and purples, from sapphire to indigo to violet, and is accented with luminous lilac, seafoam green, and aqua iridescence. When viewed with remitted light, the shade’s wave decoration gradates from golden ochre and soft orange and green at the top to rich cobalt along the bottom edge. The shade with occasional minor air bubbles and particulate inclusions inherent in the making and not visually distracting. The upper aperture with some extremely minute fleabites and some concentrated surface scratches around the collar where the shade installs, not visible when the lamp is assembled. The base is in very good condition and displays a rich brown patina with scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, and a few minor instances of oxidation, consistent with age and gentle use and not visually distracting. The socket fitter displays a more grey and green patina and is possibly replaced or has been repatinated. The rare counterweight is in very good condition. The inset “Turtle-Back” favrile glass tiles appear original and undisturbed and display a brilliant range of jewel-tone iridescence, which is highly complementary in coloration to the blown glass shade. The Turtle-Back tiles with some occasional minor edge flecks inherent to production, and with some light surface soiling to the contours adjacent to the surrounding cames. With a period socket and paddle switch. A superb example of Tiffany’s counter-balance lamp series displaying the most desirable shade and base pairing. This particular example is distinguished by the outstanding, rich coloration of the rare blue favrile shade and counterweight.
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.

This exceptional counter-balance lamp is distinguished by its dazzling blue coloration. The decorated blown favrile glass shade is executed in a beautiful deep sapphire hue, which is enhanced with strong and luminous iridescence displaying a range of jewel tones. Inset with complementary blue iridized "Turtle-Back" tiles, the counter-weight is a superb and beautifully conceived visual element that brings cohesion to the unit, further distinguishing this lamp for its rarity and superlative quality.