Brass Candle Prickets
Brass candle prickets are vertical spiked holders designed to secure large altar and church candles, bringing enduring historic gravity to a room.
Brass Candle Prickets
Brass candle prickets are traditional altar and church candle holders featuring a sharp central spike rather than a socket to hold the candle in place. When you search for brass candle prickets, you encounter ecclesiastical and domestic forms ranging from 16th century pillar designs to Victorian Gothic revival pairs.
The pieces on this page span several centuries, with heavy representation from the Victorian era alongside 17th century style interpretations and 19th century church wares. You will find monumental floor standing candle holders alongside smaller pairs designed for table use.
Regional variations emerge clearly across the inventory, including Dutch Amsterdam School creations, French church candlesticks, and Flemish originals. These objects reflect centuries of liturgical and decorative metalwork traditions.
What varies in quality
Quality in these metalwork pieces rests upon the crispness of the casting, the weight of the metal, and the integrity of the original construction. Heavier pairs with detailed ornamentation and integrated drip pans display superior craftsmanship compared to lighter, plain examples.
The distinction between standard production and exceptional work lies in the handling of surface patination and the survival of the original pricket spike. Pieces that retain their genuine period finish and substantial proportions command greater interest.
Brass Candle Prickets Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for brass candle prickets 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 materials including brass, bronze, wrought iron, gilt bronze, ormolu, and patinated metal across multiple centuries.
The Brass Candle Prickets Glossary
- Pricket
- A sharp metal spike projecting upwards from the centre of a drip pan to impale and secure a candle. This form predates the socket candlestick.
- Gothic Revival
- An architectural and decorative style popular during the 19th century that revived medieval forms and ornamentation. It heavily influences Victorian church candlesticks.
- Amsterdam School
- An early 20th century architectural and design movement known for expressive forms and organic metalwork. Pieces from this style utilise brass and iron combinations.
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze or brass applied to decorative objects and furnishings. It provides a bright gold appearance on select ecclesiastical fittings.
Brass Candle Prickets: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a pricket candlestick?
You place a candle directly onto the vertical metal spike, which holds the wax steady while it burns down.
The wide drip pan catch below the spike collects melted wax to protect surfaces underneath.
Are these candlesticks intended for church use?
Many examples originate from ecclesiastical settings, designed specifically for altars and large halls.
Others were created for domestic interiors in various historical revival styles.
What is the difference between a pricket and a socket candlestick?
A pricket uses an upward-pointing spike to skewer the base of the candle.
A socket candlestick uses a hollow cup to enclose the lower portion of the candle.