How can I tell sterling silver from silver plate?

Sterling silver items carry hallmarks indicating the specific purity of the metal and the assay office. Silver plate lacks these standard official hallmarks and may reveal base metal underneath where wear occurs. Older plated items like Old Sheffield Plate often show faint traces of copper showing through the silver layer.

How were these stands used historically?

People placed them on dining tables, desks, and sideboards to provide illumination before electric lighting became common. Tall torcheres stood independently on the floor to light corners of large rooms. Desk candlesticks were made lower and more compact for close-up writing tasks and correspondence.

What periods do these pieces come from?

The listings span from the late eighteenth century through the Victorian and Edwardian eras into the twentieth century. Earlier items often show Georgian or Neoclassical styling, while later pieces reflect Arts and Crafts or Art Deco movements. Design revivals mean that a Victorian piece might mimic earlier Georgian forms.