Cast Silver Candlesticks
Cast silver candlesticks bring genuine weight and presence to a table, offering the brilliant light reflection only solid metal provides.
What cast silver candlesticks are
Cast silver candlesticks are substantial lighting pieces formed through molten metal pouring into moulds rather than being thin sheet metal folded or pressed into shape. When you browse cast silver candlesticks, you encounter forms spanning from Georgian and Italian Rococo designs down to Victorian revivals.
The material presence is unmistakable due to the heft required in the casting process. Examples range from mid-eighteenth-century George II productions by known makers to later Victorian interpretations.
How they were made
Makers utilised sterling silver and silver, pouring the molten metal into dedicated moulds to achieve thick, rigid structural forms. Sections were then soldered together and finished by hand with detailed chasing and engraving.
Makers sometimes combined cast construction with silver plating techniques, particularly in later Victorian pieces. This combination allowed for ornate decorative profiles while managing the weight of the object.
Some antique candlesticks still bear the faint melted wax drips of Georgian diners long gone.
What varies in quality
The quality of cast silver candlesticks rests upon the crispness of the cast detail and the thickness of the metal used. Heavy casting ensures stability and preserves fine ornamentation through centuries of polishing.
Proportion and balance define the superior examples, where every decorative element of the Rococo or classical column design sits harmoniously. Inferior pieces often show softened details and lighter gauge construction.
John Cafe·Elkington Mason Co·Harrods
The Cast Silver Candlesticks Glossary
- Cast
- A manufacturing method where molten silver is poured into a mould to create solid, heavy forms. This technique permits deep relief ornament.
- Sterling silver
- An alloy containing a high proportion of pure silver combined with other metals for durability. It is the standard material for fine tableware.
- Rococo
- An ornate artistic style characterised by asymmetry, curves, and naturalistic plant motifs. It appears frequently on eighteenth-century examples.
- Georgian
- The historical period spanning the reigns of the first four Georges. Pieces from this era command attention for their proportion and hand finish.
- Victorian
- The period of Queen Victoria's reign. Items from this era often revive earlier classical or Rococo styles with distinct manufacturing shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean them?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle silver polish specifically formulated for solid metal items. Avoid abrasive brushes that can wear down the hand-chased details.
Take care around soldered joints and engraved crests during the cleaning process. Regular light dusting prevents heavy tarnish build-up.
How do I date them?
Examine the hallmarks stamped into the metal for date letters, maker marks, and standard purity symbols. These assay marks provide the most reliable guide to origin.
Stylistic cues such as the symmetry of the base and the complexity of the column or sconce also indicate the manufacturing period.
Why are they so heavy?
The casting method requires thick walls of metal to fill the mould properly and give the object structural integrity. This substantial weight stops the candlesticks from tipping over.
Many examples also contain a weighted interior base for added stability on dining tables.