Brass Church Pricket
A brass church pricket holds a large candle on a central spike rather than in a socket, bringing solemn ecclesiastical height to a room.
Brass Church Pricket
A brass church pricket is a tall altar candlestick designed with a sharp spike to secure heavy wax candles during services.
Most examples found here date from the nineteenth century, including Victorian Gothic Revival designs and twentieth century pieces from the nineteen hundreds.
Forms range from modest table candlesticks to large floor standing holders and pairs of heavy altar sticks.
How they were made
Foundry workers cast these pieces primarily in brass, bronze, and gilt metal, often combining them with iron or wood elements.
Gothic Revival and seventeenth century revival models employ intricate ornamentation, heavy casting, and patinated finishes to achieve historical depth.
Brass Church Pricket Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for brass church pricket 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.
Some floor standing models are tall enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a person.
What varies in quality
The weight of the metal casting and the crispness of the chased or turned detail separate standard pieces from exceptional examples.
Original proportion and the integrity of the base and pricket spike determine the overall desirability of the candlestick.
The Brass Church Pricket Glossary
- Pricket
- A sharp metal spike on top of a candlestick that impels the base of a candle to hold it upright. This design predates standard socket holders.
- Gothic Revival
- An architectural and decorative style popular during the Victorian period that imitates medieval forms. It utilises pointed arches and rich ornamentation.
- Amsterdam School
- An architectural and design movement from the early twentieth century. It focuses on expressive forms and mixed materials like brass and iron.
- Altar Lamp
- A hanging or standing ecclesiastical light fixture used in churches. These pieces often feature glass reservoirs or specialised brackets.
Brass Church Pricket: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a brass church pricket?
A brass church pricket is an ecclesiastical candlestick that uses a metal spike to hold a large candle. They were used on altars to provide steady light during services.
Today, they serve as striking decorative objects in domestic settings, adding height and historical character to a room.
How do I use a pricket candlestick?
To use a pricket candlestick safely, you press the base of a thick candle down onto the central spike until it sits firmly. The spike holds the wax securely in place as it burns down.
Because these holders were made for large church candles, ensure you use appropriately sized candles that will not drip excessively.
How do I date a brass pricket?
Dating involves examining the casting techniques, the style of the base, and the overall design motifs. Pieces showing Gothic Revival details typically point to the nineteenth century.
Earlier styles from the seventeenth century are often interpreted through nineteenth century revivals, so look closely at the patination and construction methods.
Can I polish antique brass?
Polishing antique brass depends entirely on personal preference and the current condition of the metal. Many collectors prefer to leave an aged patina intact.
If you choose to clean the surface, use a gentle metal polish and a soft cloth to avoid removing the historical character of the brass or bronze.