The design of this taperstick is based on an etching by Charles Heathcote Tatham (1772-1842), included (as plate 40) in his first published work Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Sculpture drawn from the originals in Rome and other parts of Italy during the years 1794, 1795 and 1797, published 1799-1800. The etching signed with Tathams monogram is inscribed Antique Chimera in basso relievo of white marble, a fragment at Rome and published May 1798 by C. H. Tatham. London.

This animal is often referred to as 'a winged and horned chimera'. In fact the chimera, in the Ancient Greek story of Bellerophon, was a fabulous beast with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a dragon, which breathed fire.

A pair of larger candlesticks of this design signed by Benjamin Vulliamy was sold in Christie's Great Rooms, 11 April 1991, lot 60.