TIFFANY STUDIOS | A Rare Pair of “Turtle-Back” Sconces

Private Collection, Cleveland, Ohio
Private Collection, Washington, D.C.
Sotheby's New York, June 15, 2011, lot 8

Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, p. 333, nos. 1324 and 1325 (for the model with two wall mount variants)

Overall very good condition. The turtle-back tiles all appear original and undisturbed and present with strong, luminous iridescence. When viewed with internal remitted light the turtle-back tiles display a rich emerald green glow; when viewed with outside reflected light the iridized tiles display luminous jewel-tone hues ranging from rich indigo, blue and aqua tones. One sconce with one turtle-back tile on the side with a hairline crack which has been recently stabilized by a professional glass conservator (stable and not visually detractive). The bronze surfaces with scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, and light rubbing to the patina consistent with and gentle handling. The sconces with some light and minor traces of surface soiling and oxidation to the recessed contours of the design. Each sconce retains its original bottom hinged door with inset turtle-back tile. Each sconce with a period wall canopy, each with some white house paint concentrated to the ball borders, partially visible in the catalogue illustration. The sockets appear original and undisturbed. A rare and highly artistic pair of sconces with finely articulated coiled wire details and a superb turtle-back glass selection.
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.