A Large Pair of French Gilt Bronze Candlesticks C1880

Name: A Large Pair of French Gilt Bronze Candlesticks C1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1244996
Price: 450 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectCandlesticks
Period19th century
StyleFrench Rococo Revival
MaterialGilt Bronze, Ormolu
ColourGold
MotifsTripod scroll base, Acanthus leaf casting, Knopped column shaft, Wide drip pan
SizeH 60 cm (24 in) x W 24 cm (9 in)

This large pair of French Rococo Revival candlesticks originates from the 19th century and is made of gilt bronze with an ormolu finish in a gold colour. Each piece stands 60 cm high and 24 cm wide, designed for use on a mantelpiece in a French chateau style interior. The candlesticks feature ornate tripod scroll bases decorated with acanthus leaf casting, knopped column shafts, and wide circular drip pans. Additional visible details include paw feet, vertical ribbing on the stems, and cast decorative mounts. Today, these candlesticks serve as decorative accessories in a living room, dining room, or hallway. They hold large cylindrical white candles in their drip pans and sit upon a marble-topped surface beneath an ornate gilt-framed mirror. The metal shows a warm patina with subtle wear across the relief details. This pair functions as a statement accent piece for traditional or eclectic home decor settings.

FAQs

French gilt bronze candlesticks, often referred to as ormolu candle holders, are cast bronze light fixtures finished with a surface layer of gold. Popularised in 18th and 19th-century France, these pieces feature decorative motifs such as acanthus leaves, scrollwork, and classical columns.

These candlesticks were cast from molten bronze using lost-wax or sand casting methods, after which artisans hand-chased the detailed surfaces. The gilding was achieved via fire-gilding (mercury gilding) or electroplating to fuse a fine layer of gold directly to the bronze.

Authentic 19th-century pieces display crisp hand-chased details, heavy cast bronze weight, and threaded internal assembly rods. Evidence of historical wear on contact points, patination beneath the base, and hand-cut screw threads further indicate period construction.

Position a symmetrical pair on a fireplace mantelpiece or a marble sideboard top to create visual balance. Contrast the rich gilded metalwork with minimalist artwork, matte painted walls, or contemporary linen textures.

Dust regularly using a soft-bristled brush or dry microfibre cloth. Avoid chemical polishes, commercial metal cleaners, and water, as abrasive compounds can strip or damage the delicate gilding.

Junk Antiques & Interiors

A Large Pair of French Gilt Bronze Candlesticks C1880