Lot 543
A PAIR OF RARE WILLIAM III CAST CANDLESTICKS
MUNGO YORSTON, EDINBURGH 1699
Scottish Works of Art & Whisky
Auction: Lots 413 - 580 | 21 August 2024 at 10am
Description
the triple knopped stem to a stepped square base with canted edges, scratch weight, 12=2 to one and 11=12 to the other
Dimensions
17cm high, 11.7oz + 11.5oz
Provenance
Sotheby 24th June 1953, lot 117
Sotheby's 5th February 1987, lot 53
Footnote
This remarkable pair of Scottish candlesticks are amongst the earliest known to survive. They are predated by only two pairs, both Edinburgh made hallmarked in 1695 and 1697. The also match in date with another pair by Robert Inglis.
Although it is tempting to consider that these were bought in from London and merely hallmarked in Edinburgh this seems unlikely. The overall proportion and the configuration of stem and knops is different to recorded London pairs. They are no doubt however inspired by the fashion of London given a Scottish flavour.
It would appear that the candlesticks have been retailed by Mungo Yorston as are dated before he gains his Freedom in 1701. This could be explained by him retailing old stock for his master John Seaton once he has become free or having taken them in trade for new silver, as was standard practice, and rather than melting them re selling them.