depicting two warriors in full armor, standing in contraposto and holding banners or staffs, raised on carved rhodonite bases, apparently unmarked, probably by Hoessrich & Woerffel

some chips to edges of carved bases and with some small repairs; the tops of the figures' helmets slightly bent
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.

It seems likely that this pair of bronze, medieval Russian warriors on carved rhodonite bases were exhibited by the firm of Hoessrich and Woerffel at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.  The pieces bear a striking resemblance to items in photographs of their stand in the Russian section.  The wealth of brightly colored cut and polished hardstones such as rhodonite, malachite, and lapis lazuli thrilled American viewers and their mounted bronzes were hailed by American critics. The few examples on hand were eagerly purchased by wealthy visitors to the fair, leading Tiffany & Co., among the savviest merchandisers of luxury goods in the United States, to begin offering what was characterized as "an exclusive stock" of Russian bronzes in their Union Square store by 1877. On Hoessrich & Woerffel and the 1876 fair, see Charles Wyllys Elliott, "Art Applied to Life, Seen at the Centennial," The Galaxy vol. 22, no. 4 (October 1876): 491-493; "The Centennial: The Russian Exhibit," Harper's Weekly October 21, 1876: 855; and, Gems of the Centennial Exhibition, New York, 1877, 38-39.