MARK OF WILLIAM PITTS, LONDON, 1809

Details

A PAIR OF GEORGE III SILVER FOUR-LIGHT CANDELABRA
MARK OF WILLIAM PITTS, LONDON, 1809
Each on shaped circular spreading base, with knopped baluster stem, the foliate scroll branches and central standard with baluster sockets, circular wax pans and removable nozzles, all elaborately cast and chased overall with lion masks, dolphins, eagles, and dragon's heads representing the Four Elements, within swirling scrolls, flowers and rocaille on a matted ground, marked on bases, branches, waxpans, sockets, nozzles; the central waxpans apparently unmarked
20 in. (50.8 cm.) high; 420 oz. (13,071 gr.) (2)

Provenance

Sotheby's, New York, 11 April 1995, lot 255

Lot Essay

The complex design of these candelabra incorporates revived Baroque and Rococo elements common to some of the most innovative silver designs of the Regency era. This pair of candelabra, dating to 1809, is a very early example of the model and predates examples by Paul Storr and William Elliott. The most elaborate version of this design, a set of three- seven- and eight-light candelabra dating to 1813, is illustrated in M. Penzer, Paul Storr, 1954, pl. XLIII. A suite of two smaller candelabra and one larger candelabrum, by William Pitts, dating to 1814 and 1817 sold at Christie's, New York, 17 October, 1996, lot 160.

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