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Table candlesticks in silver are very rare before 1650 with early candlesticks being made out of sheets of silver with a hollow stem and therefore were fairly fragile. After 1700 candlestick makers started to use casting methods derived from Huguenot silversmiths. After 1760 sheet silver became popular again with the advent of die-stamping and more industrial methods emanating from the Sheffield and Birmingham silversmiths. Silver candlesticks were made throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods and are still being made today.
A SELECTION OF SILVER CANDLESTICKS
The vast majority of antique silver candlestick designs followed the same basic rules, that of a flat larger base, a thinner column, and a nozzle (sometimes with a removable drip pan). Designs varied tremendously based on the dominant style of the period they were made in. Their method of construction also played a very important role in their design, with pre-1760 cast candlesticks having a fairly limited range of designs compared to later die-stamped candlesticks.
The level of craftsmanship and the their aesthetic qualities determine the candlesticks value. Early pre-1700 antique silver candlesticks are very rare and command high prices. Pre-1760 cast candlesticks should still be in fairly good condition although one should look closely at all junction points to check for damage, and be particularly diligent in checking the condition of the hallmarks. Post-1760 die-stamped candlesticks are unfortunately often in fairly bad condition due to the thinness of sheet silver used. Cracks, repairs, and holes are not uncommon and one has to look very closely indeed to make sure that everything is in good condition. Candlesticks were probably the most frequently used item of silver before the advent of electricity and therefore there were a vast number made with a huge range of styles.
When it comes to candelabras, 18th century antique silver candelabras are now quite rare, and anything before 1750 is very rare. The vast majority were made in the 19th century before the advent of electricity, although they are still being made today.
Silver candelabras were often made in sets each one holding between two to six candles in their sockets. The arms were often quite ornate and for ease of cleaning were made removable from their bases. The central stem often had a flame-shaped finial or flambeau that was designed to be removed and used as an extinguisher.
Antique silver candelabras have often been repaired and it is now difficult to find them without some form of restoration. Look closely at where the arms are attached to the main candlestick body. Also it is important to check that the hallmark on the arms and base match as there are many candelabra that have arms added later by a different maker. The marks on the removable bobeches must also be the same to be in original condition.
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