How do I clean antique glass lustres?

Wash the glass drops gently in lukewarm soapy water using a mild detergent, ensuring you dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth before rehanging. Avoid submerging any metal parts or gilded surfaces to protect the original finish. Take care when handling individual drops, as older glass can be brittle and the connecting brass pins may be delicate.

Can I use real candles in these holders?

Most of these pieces were built specifically for wax candles and hold standard taper sizes securely in their metal nozzles. Ensure the candles fit snugly to prevent any wax dripping onto the delicate glass drops below. Keep burning candles away from draughts to protect the hanging crystals from swinging and chipping against the frame.

What is the difference between a lustre and a candelabra?

A mantle lustre functions primarily as a decorative ornament featuring hanging crystal drops, though some include a central candle socket. A candelabra is strictly a branched candle holder that may also incorporate crystal drops for added sparkle. Both forms utilise cut glass and crystal, but their intended placement and primary structural focus differ.

How do I date these lighting pieces?

Examine the casting quality of the brass or bronze, the style of the metalwork mounts, and the specific hues of the glass such as ruby or green flash glass. Victorian and Regency pieces often display distinct decorative motifs characteristic of their respective periods. Look closely at the fixings and pins holding the crystal drops, as older construction methods leave distinct traces of hand-craftsmanship.