Antique Epns Candlesticks
These antique epns candlesticks bring the polished gleam of late nineteenth and early twentieth century dining tables straight into your home.
Antique Epns Candlesticks
When you search for antique epns candlesticks, you are looking at silver plated lighting fixtures that span from the mid Victorian era through to the Edwardian period and the 1920s. The selection on this page ranges from simple single holders to elaborate multi light candelabra and converted table lamps.
Victorian examples often lean towards ornate neoclassical or rococo revival forms, while Edwardian and later twentieth century pieces embrace cleaner georgian revival or classical revival lines. You will frequently find them offered in matching pairs, which makes them ideal for balancing a mantelpiece or a dining table.
How they were made
These pieces rely on electroplated nickel silver, commonly known as EPNS, or standard silver plate applied over a base metal such as brass or nickel silver. This technique, developed in the nineteenth century, allowed makers to achieve the rich appearance of solid silver without the prohibitive cost.
Manufacturers shaped the metal through casting and stamping, building up complex forms for figural designs and multi light candelabra before applying the durable plated surface.
Antique Epns Candlesticks Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for epns candlesticks among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings feature items spanning the 1850s to the 1920s, utilising silver plate, brass, and nickel silver across Victorian and Edwardian styles.
What varies in quality
Quality in these pieces rests primarily on the crispness of the casting and the weight of the underlying metal structure. Better examples retain deep, sharp relief in their decorative motifs rather than showing the softened edges of worn production moulds.
The durability of the silver plating also separates standard production items from workshop pieces created by noted makers. Substantial weight and balanced proportions indicate a higher standard of manufacture from the outset.
Smith and Sissons·Barker Ellis·WMF
The Antique Epns Candlesticks Glossary
- EPNS
- Electroplated Nickel Silver. This designates a base of nickel silver coated with a thin layer of pure silver through an electrical process.
- Candelabra
- A branched candlestick holding multiple candles. These larger pieces often feature removable branches to transform them into single candlesticks.
- Silver Plate
- A thin layer of silver bonded to a base metal. This method provided a durable, bright finish for domestic metalware.
- Classical Revival
- A design style drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art. It appears in architectural columns and symmetrical patterns on candle bases.
- Victorian Rococo Revival
- A nineteenth century decorative style characterised by shell motifs, scrolls and asymmetrical floral forms. It creates a highly ornate appearance on heavy candlesticks.
Antique Epns Candlesticks: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean antique epns candlesticks?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle silver cream formulated specifically for plated items. Avoid harsh dips or abrasive scrubbing that can wear through the thin silver layer.
Take care around weighted bases and felt bottoms to keep moisture away from the interior structure.
How do I date an epns candlestick?
Examine the style of decoration, such as heavy Victorian rococo scrolls versus restrained Edwardian neo georgian lines. Maker marks stamped on the base also provide clues to the production era.
Materials like nickel silver became widespread from the mid nineteenth century onwards, narrowing down the timeline.
Where should I place candelabra at home?
Dining tables and sideboard surfaces provide traditional settings where they catch the ambient light. They also anchor a mantelpiece arrangement when paired with a mirror or clock.
Keep them away from direct draughts to ensure an even, steady burn.