TIFFANY STUDIOS | "Turtle-Back and Geometric" Table Lamp

For the shade:
Sotheby's New York, February 8, 1980, lot 136
For the base:
Private Collection
Christie’s New York, June 13, 2006, lot 3

Alastair Duncan, Tiffany Lamps and Metalware, Woodbridge, Suffolk, 2007, pp. 103, no. 411 and 149, no. 620 (for the shade)

Overall very good condition. When viewed firsthand, the leaded geometric registers display a vibrant green hue, which is warmer and slightly less blue compared to the catalogue illustration. When viewed with internal remitted light the turtle-back tiles present a rich teal blue-green which is very slightly less blue compared to the catalogue illustration; when viewed with outside reflected light the tiles display a brilliant range of jewel-tone hues and luminous iridescence. The shade with fewer than 5 hairline cracks dispersed throughout, stable. The turtle-back tiles all appear original and undisturbed. The shade with some extremely light surface soiling throughout concentrated to the contours adjacent to the leadlines. The base is in very good condition and displays a rich brown patina with scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, and light wear to the patina consistent with age and gentle handling. The outer edge of the foot with a few very minor shallow bruises. The upper stem, socket cluster and arms, riser, and wheel appear to be later replacements which present harmoniously with the base. With a period finial with threaded pin with some minor shallow bruises and scattered minor surface scratches, abrasions, and wear consistent with age and gentle handling. The finial knop appears to have been resoldered at some point in the history of the piece and there is a very small hole at the seam where the stem of the knop meets the top of the finial (not visually detracting). A beautiful example of the model displaying strong coloration and an exceptionally dynamic 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.