Classic Silver Candlesticks
Classic silver candlesticks bring formal illumination and period elegance to a room, spanning styles from Georgian elegance to Edwardian revival.
Classic Silver Candlesticks
Classic silver candlesticks encompass single-socket standards alongside multi-branch candelabras and converted table lamps.
The selections span 18th-century forms up through Edwardian, Victorian, and mid-20th-century productions.
Pairs dominate the material evidence, often following Neoclassical, Corinthian column, or Adams architectural designs.
Judging execution
Quality rests in the crispness of classical detailing, such as fluting on columns and depth of cast enrichment on bases.
Substantial gauge metal and balanced weight differentiate heavier workshop output from lighter commercial manufacturing.
Architectural column designs, particularly Corinthian and Neoclassical styles, recur frequently across Victorian and Edwardian examples.
Walker & Hall·Garrard & Co Ltd·Charles Boyton & Sons·Barker Bros Ltd·Elkington·Barker Ellis
The Classic Silver Candlesticks Glossary
- Sterling silver
- A silver alloy containing 92.5 percent pure silver by mass, valued for durability and precious metal content. It provides the bright reflective surface seen on finer examples.
- Silver plate
- A layer of silver fused to a base metal core such as copper or brass. This technique allowed makers to achieve the appearance of solid silver at a more accessible scale.
- Candelabra
- A branched candlestick holding multiple taper candles on a single central shaft. Many specimens in the record feature removable arms to convert into single sticks.
- Neoclassical
- A design style inspired by classical antiquity, characterised by symmetry, straight lines, and architectural motifs like columns. It appears frequently across Victorian and Edwardian items.
- Paktong
- A copper-nickel-zinc alloy originating in China and utilised for durable metalware. It mimics the brightness of silver without requiring plating.
Classic Silver Candlesticks: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean silver candlesticks safely?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle silver polish formulated for plated or solid surfaces to remove tarnish.
Avoid harsh scrubbing that can wear through thin silver plating on older base metal items.
Are these candlesticks weighted at the base?
Many traditional candlesticks contain a weighted interior filling, such as resin or plaster, to provide stability.
This construction prevents the tall standards from tipping easily when holding heavy tapered candles.
Can I use standard taper candles in them?
Most sockets accommodate standard dinner tapers, though older European pieces might require slightly narrower widths.
Checking the socket diameter ensures the candles fit securely without wobbling during use.
How do I identify solid silver from plate?
Solid sterling items carry standard hallmarks denoting purity, town, and maker, while plated items display manufacturer marks like EPNS.
Examining worn edges can also reveal the base copper or brass showing beneath a thin silver coating.