each cast and chased as a triumphal column with spiral bas-relief below a Corinthian capital, surmounted by a globe supporting an Imperial eagle and issuing six winged female herms crowned with nozzles, the plinths with acanthus borders and applied with plaques with engraved inscriptions: 'To our dear comrade and friend Count Vladimir Alexandrovich Stenbok Fermor of the Life Hussar/ Aide-de-camp Colonel Prince Vasilchikov; Colonel Likharev; Prince Gagarin I; Molchanov/ Staff Captain Baron Stanbershemdt; Volkov; Svichin; Orlov/ Rittmeister Bezobrazov; Voronov; Khrapovitsky; Krupensky; Prince Gagarin II; Ratch/ Coronet Komstadius; Pavlov; Myatlev; Verevkin; Svichin II; Charnysh/ Kiriakov; Plogutin; L'Vov; Kotlyarevsky; Astashev/ Lieutenant Miller; Von Meyer; Petrovo Solovovo; Golovin; Izdiniov; Durasov/ Gartong; Golenischev Kutuzov-Tolstoy; Graf Bobrinskoy; Graf Vorontsov-Dolikov; Erdeli; Prince Golitsyn', 84 standard

Excellent condition. The plaques very slightly worn. A few of the removable slips for candles slightly ill-fitting, possibly replaced.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Count Vladimir Alexandrovich Stenbock-Fermor (1847-1896) continued his family's tradition of military service established by his great-great grandfather, William Fermor (1702-1771).  Although of Scottish descent, William was ennobled by Empress Elizabeth Petrovna in 1758 after leading the Imperial Russian Army to victory against Prussian Emperor Frederick the Great at the Battle of Zorndorf during the Seven Years War.  With no male issue from his son, his daughter Sarah married Jakov Pontus Magnus Stenbock (1744-1824), of wealthy and noble Swedish lineage, and the family was thereafter known as Stenbock-Fermor.  

Having married the exceptionally wealthy Nadezhda Alekseevna Yakovleva, Alexander Ivanovich Stenbock-Fermor (1809-1852), father of Vladimir Alexandrovich, purchased property in central St Petersburg on the Tuchkova Embankment and in Lakhta, on the bay to the north west of the city, and Russified his father’s name from Johann to Ivan.  Alexander Ivanovich’s eldest son, Alexei (1835-1916), was highly decorated as lieutenant-general of the Life Guard Hussars from 1885, while Vladimir Alexandrovich attained the rank of colonel in the same prestigious regiment.  Soon 💞after graduating from the Imperial Lycée, Vladimir fought in the Russo-Turkish War but resigned from the army in 1879, the same year he married Maria Aleksandrovna Apraksina, first cousin of his first wife, Evdokiya Ivanovna Apraksina, who had died in 1875 after only five years of marriage.  With four daughters from his first marriage, a son, Alexander, was born to Maria and Vladimir in August 1878, a year before their marriage in November 1879. 

Vladimir Alexandrovich made numerous improvements to the family estate in Lakhta including construction of the grand house known as Beliy Zamok in the 1890s, which is still standing today.  In 1892, the year these candelabra were presented, construction of the Church of St Peter in Lakhta began, with money donated by the Count, who also provided the land.  This church, also still standing, commemorates the spot where Peter the Great dove to the assistance of drowni🧸ng soldiers in 1724, resulting in the hypothermia from which he never recovered.