How do I clean antique brass candle sticks?

Wash the surface gently using warm water and mild soap with a soft cloth to remove accumulated dust and wax. Avoid harsh chemical polishes that strip away historical patination and age. Dry the metal thoroughly after cleaning to prevent spotting or corrosion. Preserving the dark oxidation in recessed areas maintains the visual depth of the object.

What is an ejector mechanism?

An ejector mechanism uses an internal sliding plate connected to an exterior thumbpiece or side lever. Pushing this lever upward slides the remaining candle remnant out of the socket. This functional addition assisted users in clearing spent wax without damaging the interior metal walls. Such mechanisms are particularly prized by collectors of 19th-century domestic lighting.

How can I tell a church candlestick from a domestic one?

Church candlesticks, often referred to as altar or pricket sticks, typically feature a vertical metal spike rather than a hollow socket. They are generally larger in scale and heavier in construction. Domestic candlesticks feature standard hollow cups designed to hold tapered candles safely on tables or desks. Many domestic examples also include push-up ejector devices which are absent on ecclesiastical pieces.