THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

Richly-carved tripod tables with 'pie-crust' tops and acanthus-wrapped legs such as the present example were much sought after by the great collectors of the first half and middle years of the 20th century. Immortalised by the numerous publications of R. W. Symonds, whose counsel provided the impetus of many a collection, such tables have remained highly desirable, and often their link with the Symondsian circle of collectors has served to increase their desirability. Such an example is a closely related table, but with fluted shaft and acanthus-wrapped stem, owned by both Percival D. Griffiths, F.S.A. and Geoffrey Blackwell, O.B.E. - two of the last century's iconic collectors. The latter was sold anonymously [a descendant of Geoffrey Blackwell], in these Rooms, 14 June 2001, lot 35. Another, closer example was in the collection of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor, sold Sotheby's New York, 19-27 February 1998, lot 3083. Another was sold anonymously, in these Rooms, 11 November 1999, lot 56 (£76,300) and a further example was sold by the late David Berg, Christie's New York, 21 October 1999, lot 47 ($82,250).