Troyte-Bullock Family, Wiltshire, England
John Bly Antiques, London

Overall in good condition. One torchere with a restored age crack to top. The base has been removed and repositioned to support the restoration. Both galleries have some hairline cracks and minor restorations. The torchere with the crack to top also has a restored break to one C-scroll and a restored crack to one scroll at end of C-scroll. Usual small nicks, bruises, and scratches consistent with use and age. Both tops with indented scratches and wear at centers.
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.

These elegant mahogany torchères are derived from Thomas Chippendale's The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, third edition, pl. no. CXLIV. These torchères have the same pierced gallery, C-scroll legs, and finial to the base as the candlestand on the far upper left of pl. CXLIV. The designer of the present pair seems to have adapted that example by incorporating the cluster columnar support of the torchère on the far right of that same plate. The present torchères, however, have a pineapple finial instead of a ball finial as is found in Chippendale's design. The legs and the supports beneath the top also bear a resemblance to a design in Genteel Household Furniture in the Present Taste, 2nd edition, 1765, plate 72, which has been attributed to Thomas Chippendale.