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Lot 542
AN ITALIAN LIDDED URN IN GREEN GRECIAN PORPHYRY (LAPIS SPARTANUS/LAPIS LACEDAEMONIUS) EARLY 19TH CENTURY 45cm high, base 12.5cm wideProvenance: The Simon Neal Collection This lidded urn is carved from the rare marble known as Lapis Spartanus. With yellow and white snowflake crystals of Feldspar, it belongs to the family of Green Porphyry marbles that originated from ancient Greece, commonly called Serpentine (Porfidi volgarmente detti Serpentini or Marmor Lacedaemon). Found mostly around Mount Taygetus, near the ancient Greek city of Sparta, in the region of Laconia, the marble is so rare that it is invariably only seen in small pieces. For this reason, the Italian Lawyer & eminent collector of ancient decorative stones, Avvocato Faustino Corsi (1771-1846) wrote that: "Indeed in Rome there is not to be seen either a column, or a bath, or an urn of serpentine". Therefore, the ancients mostly used it for flooring, for example, at the Nymphaeum known as Egeria's Grotto. Described by the Romans, Papinius Statius stated that the hard rocks of Sparta were green, and Pliny likened it to emerald (smeraldo) and described it as "more beautiful and vivid than any other". Pausanius believed its pieces were carried by rivers, which may explain why pieces of serpentine are often found disseminated and Lampridius recounted that Elagabalus laid Lacodemonian porphyritic marble for the public squares on the Palatine in Rome. Although sometimes known as Green Porphyry, Corsi explains that it "differs from porphyry by the singular shape of the markings, otherwise crystals, which are rather long and angular, are arranged in the shape of a star, and more commonly in the form of the cross of St. Andrew".Condition Report: There have been various discussions and suggestions with relation to the precise nature of this unusual stone. General agreement is that it would seem to be a porphyritic stone with 'flower' form phenocrysts in white and olive yellow. However Corsi's illustrated text for Lapis Spartanus indicates larger, more rectangular shaped phenocrysts- of an ivory white colour. Interestingly though the Museum of Natural History in Siena illustrates a section of "Krokaetis Lithos, Lapis Lacedaemonius, Green Porphyry of Greece or Serpentine - Inv. No. 7031" in its archive that shows similar colour variance and 'florescence'.Lapis Lacedaemonius is known also as "Krokean stone"- from its primary source the small town of Krokees south of Sparta. Hard to work nevertheless it was used to make vases in the Minoan age. Later, small sections were used in mosaics and the pavement at St. Peter's Rome. "Ancient Decorative Stones" of the Federico Pescetto and Pio De Santis Collections was originally printed in 1986 by the Geological Survey of Italy and then published online in 2013 on the ISPRA virtual museum. In the online version, chapter 4.2.2 illustrates excavated examples of diabasic porphyrites more commonly known as "Lapis Lacedaemonius", "Lapis Taygetus" "Lapis Croceus" (an alternative spelling of Krokees) and "Lapis Spartanus". The pages clearly show close similarities of style and composition with this lot with Fig.88 displaying similar colour characteristics.Corsi details the particular stone mined from this area as;"797. (198.1) Serpentino, light green, with paler crystals tending to faded yellow " and also "806. (200.10) with a grass green ground, with crystals of green that shade into faded yellow".Frustratingly though- his own polished section of this stone, held in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, displays some of the 'floral' characteristics of this vase- but lacks the colour variances seen in this turned vase and lid. The vase itself has old repair to the lid- which comes off to reveal threaded screw running through the body and base- with canted large bolts. Body with various fissure/hairlines running throughout- mostly from the base but also across the body. There is indication of infill suggestive of either stabilization- or more significant repair work. Additionally, signs of old glue residue at base of body where it meets stem- suggesting either repair or that it has been fixed to be sturdier. 1 corner to base with clear historic repair. Underside unpolished. Surface is slightly dirty from atmosphere and handling,Please see additional images which form part of this condition reportCondition Report Disclaimer
Lot 571
A BLUE JOHN URN CIRCA 1800 AND LATER 29cm highProvenance: The Simon Neal Collection Condition Report: Lid- internal banding is dark blue/black- clearly a different colour/stone cut than the main body and socle base. Lid has historic damage and repair but still with loss- notably to finial. Masks may well be later- but with large dirt build up behind them making inspection of how they are mounted to main body impossible, Stem with paler band- and historic damage and probable repairs. Please see additional images which form part of this condition reportCondition Report Disclaimer
Lot 588
A FRENCH PATINATED BRONZE EWER, TO THE MODEL BY SIGISBERT-FRANCOIS MICHEL (1728-1811)19TH CENTURYThe ovoid and scroll handled body surmounted by a bearded triton, on a waisted circular socle and square plinth46cm high, 22cm wideThe present aquatic-themed urn is derived from a plaster model by the sculptor Sigisbert-Francois Michel, exhibited at the Academy of St Luke in Paris in 1774.Condition Report: The ewer bears the usual minor marks, scratches and scuffs overall consistent with age and use.The patina is dark overall and fairly even, with some slightly warmer tones where it's worn to the handle and edges of the socle.There are a handful of small circa 2-4cm patches particularly to the reverse and the edges of the ovoid body, where the surface seems slightly raised or inconsistent, which may indicate a lacquer or refreshed patination of the surface. There is also some slight flaking to the surface colour to the inside of the lip, and one or two tiny dents/knocks to the body.Structurally no damages have been detected at the time of writing this report.Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 617
A PAIR OF COMPTON POTTERY TERRACOTTA 'SCROLL' POTSEARLY 20TH CENTURYEach with scroll handles, with Compton Pottery stamps to each top rim of each urn and workman's initials 'GHA' to inside of both.each 41cm high, 61cm wideProvenance: The property of a set designerCatalogue amendment both have workman's initials GHA- not GFA as originally cataloguedCondition Report: One restoredBoth with some mild and typical edge and extremity rubbing, small chips and wear.Please see additional images which form part of this condition reportCondition Report Disclaimer
Lot 413
A PAIR OF CARVED AND PARCEL GILTWOOD TORCHERES IN LOUIS XVI TASTE, second half 20th century, the circular tops on tapering and fluted shafts with knopped, waisted, urn and acanthus mouldings, each on three splayed legs with recessed bellflower and guilloche detail, to scrolled feet, on triform bases, each with three turned feet, 165cm high x 57cm wide (at base)
Lot 113
A Sheraton Revival satinwood crossbanded mahogany and marquetry bureau bookcase, swan neck pediment above a pair of glazed doors enclosing three adjustable shelves, fall front inlaid with an urn, ribbon-tied bell husks and scrolling leaves, enclosing a small door, small drawers and pigeonholes, above four long graduated drawers, swan neck handles, bracket feet, 222cm high, 95cm wide, 46cm deep
Lot 1021
Full title: Flemish school, monogrammed V.H.: A bouquet of flowers in an urn, oil on canvas, 18th C.Description: 108 x 90 cm Monogrammed centrally under the table top (V.H.F. or rather V.H.f (ecit)?) and at the reverse (peint par Van Hoeck - Anvers). However, most probably the V.H. is referring to Jacobus Melchior Van Herck (act. 1698-1735), in whose oeuvre the painting perfectly fits.
Lot 607
An Edwardian silver hallmarked pepperette of urn form having a gadrooned body on a weighted footed base (hallmarked London 1902, makers marks for Charles Wilkes, weight 48g) together with a Victorian silver heart shaped trinket pot having pierced decoration to the rim (hallmarked London 1894, makers marks for William Harrison Walter, weight 18.6g).
Lot 133
A GEORGE III MAHOGANY SECRETAIRE BOOKCASE IN THE MANNER OF ROBERT ADAM, CIRCA 1785The fall drawer opening to an arrangement of small drawers and pigeon holes above a baize inset surface 232cm high, 89.5cm wide, 53cm deep Condition Report: There are marks, scratches, knocks, splits and abrasions consistent with age and use.Some sections of replacement and losses including to the carved glazing swags and leaves, which are of unusual design with an off-centre pendent husk carving to both doors.The glass of one door is cracked.The secretaire drawer front is bowed and a section of swag is missing to the urn so that it is not symmetrical. The inset cloth for the writing area is later.The other drawer fronts are variously slightly bowed.Lacking some veneers and stringing, some patched veneers.Please refer to the additional images for a visual reference of condition. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 143
A PAIR OF CARVED GILTWOOD GIRANDOLE WALL MIRRORS IN GEORGE III STYLE, 19TH CENTURYeach 99cm high, 37cm wide, 16cm protuberanceCondition Report: There are chips, splits, knocks, scratches and abrasions consistent with age, materials and use.There are various losses including; sections of scrolling foliage, husks, a carved flowerhead.There are some replacements including; the tips of the urn handles, sections of beaded border.The gilding is matt and with some crackelure. The gilding has chipped revealing in places the underlying pine and a grey underlayer.The metal swags applied with swags have a dark granular finish suggesting that they could be later additions or later replacementsThere are various splits along the grain of the timber of the oval mirror frames.One section of candle nozzle is detached.Please see the additional photographs for a visual reference of condition.Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 392
A PAIR OF FRENCH GILT AND PATINATED FOUR-LIGHT CANDELABRASECOND HALF 19TH CENTURYEach with naturalistic flower and foliage arms above the urn bodies, white plinth and dove-grey bases, Palais Royale style engine turned mountseach 57cm highCondition Report: Formerly fitted for electricity- drilled holes- probably a combination of some bronze and other metals- but little exposed core materialCondition Report Disclaimer
Lot 419
ANGELO BERTOZZI (ITALIAN, LATE 19TH CENTURY), A CARVED WHITE MARBLE FIGURE OF FLORACIRCA 1880 The goddess of flowers and the season of spring, signed to reverse, on a Siena marble pedestalthe figure 98cm high, the marble pedestal 92cm high, the top 31cm diameter Condition Report: Surface is dirty from weathering, atmosphere and handlingWeathering has also caused some losses to details and elements notably but not restricted to - the water urn, raised sections of tunic, flowers to base. Some areas of surface with powdery feel and a slight granulated finish.Signature is legible under side-radiating light- but slightly weathered- someone has rubbed pencil in the past to try and read it. Additional image of this is taken using a torch shining from the side to make it more legibleSome edge nibbles and loss- most notably to foot rimBase with chip to top edge- and historic loss to moulding of collar to base.Please see additional images which form part of this condition reportCondition Report Disclaimer
Lot 445
Special Gift from Marie Antoinette ?Pendule et Flambeaux? ÿ An extremely important exquisite Louis XVI French ormolu Mantle Clock, by Regnault of Paris,ÿ together with matching pair of Candlesticks, all contained in original leather covered travelling case. This attractive heavy ormolu Mantle Clock is of upright rectangular form, the top decorated with trophy and scrolls, over a circular white convex enamel dial with Roman numerals, outside count wheel striking on a steel bell, the pierced front and sides chased with flowers, leaves and scrolls and on a chased moulded platform, over a rectangular base with inverted centre panel chased with vines and leaves, on four adjustable circular feet, approx. 33cms high (13?); the Candlesticks with leaf cast urn sockets, on a tapering reeded column and circular leaf cast and fluted base, 8 1/2" (21cms).ÿ Provenance ÿOn May 16th 1770, Louis, Duc de Berry, married Archduchess Maria Antonia of Austria. He was 15, she was 14, and Louis becameÿking in 1774. Maria Therese de Barmont was a lady-in-waiting to Marie Antoinette and received the clock as a gift from her. She was only 13 at the time of wedding. Marie Therese de Barmont (1757 ? 1849) married in 1778, Charles de Pleurre, Marquis de Pleurre (1737 ? 1810). Their daughter, Adelaide (1797 ? 1884), married Andre Etienne d?Audebard de Ferussac (1786 ? 1836). Their son Amedee (1817 ? 1897) married Alice Thorn, daughter of Colonel Herman Thorn of New York in 1845. Their daughter Alice then married George Patrick Lattin Mansfield of Morristown Lattin, Naas, Co. Kildare in 1878. From whence by direct descent to the present owner. Biographical Notes: 1.ÿÿÿÿÿÿ Claude Charles de Pleurre, Marquis de Pleurre was born in 1737 at Chateau de Pleurre. He was a Marechal de Camp in the Kings Army, and later a French Politician. 2.ÿÿÿÿÿÿ Andree Etienne d?Audebard de Ferussac (1786 ? 1836) was a renowned French Naturalist, Botanist specialising in molluscs, malacology, and was the author of several important works on the subjects. He was also a well-known politician. 3.ÿÿÿÿÿÿ Colonel Herman Thorn, known as ?The Forgotten American Prince,? played a significant role in establishing America?s social identity in the early part of the 19th Century, through his patronage of writers, artists, and politicians. He has been lauded as the most colourful character of his generation.
Lot 730
A fine Sheffield silver plated and monogrammed Tea Urn,ÿof vase form, with dome cover, the body profusely chased with scrolling foliage and two opposing cartouches each with monogram and coronet applied with two leaf cast handles and a tap on a square pierced base, on four conforming legs, 21 1/2" (55cms). (1)
Lot 731
A fine George IV Sheffield silver plated and crested Tea Urn and Cover, with half reeded ogee shaped body applied with two ornate cast handles and matching tap on four tapering reeded supports terminating in lion paw feet on a quatrefoil concave stand with ball feet, 16" x 14" (41cms x 35cms). (1)
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68624 item(s)/page