AN EARLY VICTORIAN BRASS-MOUNTED MAHOGANY HAT STAND AND UMBRELLA STAND, AFTER A DESIGN BY A.W.N. PUGIN, CIRCA 1845 |

House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London
Christie's London, June 5, 1997, lot 109

With scuffs, nicks, scratches, a few dents to upper edge and scattered stains consistent with age and use. Metal liner below with some oxidation, and brass hooks with minor rubbing to gilding in places. One hook detached from stand but present. Another hook arm detached from backplate and need re-soldering.
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.

Following its destruction by fire in 1834, the Palace of Westminster, seat of the British parliament, was rebuilt in the 1840s by the architect Charles Barry, who relied entirely on the great Gothic Revival architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852) to design all the elaborate interior fittings, including wallpaper, furniture and light fixtures.  Stands of this model are still in use in the House of Lords today.