Column Candlestick Holders
Column candlestick holders bring classical order and steady height to a dining table or mantelpiece.
Column Candlestick Holders
Column candlestick holders follow architectural proportions, rising from a stepped or weighted base to a capital that supports the candle. When searching for column candlestick holders, buyers frequently encounter pairs cast or fabricated in silver plate, sterling silver, or brass. These pieces span from the Georgian period through the Victorian and Edwardian eras, reflecting enduring classical tastes.
The architectural vocabulary dictates much of what appears on the market, with Corinthian capitals and fluted shafts appearing alongside barley twists and plain cylindrical forms. Many examples adopt Neoclassical revival designs, drawing directly from ancient Greek and Roman column orders. Brass and silver plated variants predominate, though sterling silver and bronze specimens also emerge.
Materials and construction methods
Makers utilised casting, spinning, and plating techniques to produce these metal wares. Brass and bronze examples often rely on heavy casting for stability, while silver and silver plated versions combine thin sheet metal over weighted internal cores of resin or plaster. Old Sheffield Plate pieces employ a fused layer of silver over a copper base, visible where the edges meet.
Ceramic and wooden variants, such as faience or carved pinewood, utilise turning and moulding processes before glazing or finishing. Capitals and removable sconces are frequently cast separately and soldered or fitted mechanically to the main shaft.
Column Candlestick Holders Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for column candlestick holders 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.
Masonic lodge candlesticks occasionally turn up, proving that solemn rituals still appreciate a well-turned Corinthian column.
Distinguishing quality in column candlestick holders
Crispness of cast detail separates finer pieces from softer, worn examples, particularly in the acanthus leaves of Corinthian capitals or the fluting along the shaft. Superior execution shows sharp junction lines between components and careful finishing of soldered joints.
Weight distribution and structural integrity also divide the range, as better specimens feel solidly balanced on their bases without undue wobble. The quality of the silver plating or the depth of the original brass patina further indicates how well a piece was made and maintained.
Garrard & Co·Mappin & Webb·John Pound & Co·Burmantofts Faience·J. Miller
The Column Candlestick Holders Glossary
- Corinthian capital
- The ornate top section of a column decorated with stylized acanthus leaves. This motif is common on formal 19th-century candlesticks.
- Sconce
- A removable metal pan fitted into the top of a candlestick to catch melting wax. These pieces protect the main column from residue.
- Old Sheffield Plate
- A material made by fusing a thin sheet of silver to a copper base before rolling. This technique was largely superseded by electroplating.
- Torchere
- A tall stand or candlestick originally designed to hold a torch or single light. These forms can be carved from wood or cast in metal.
- Fluting
- Vertical parallel grooves cut into the shaft of a column. This classical detail adds visual texture to the upright body.
Column Candlestick Holders: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean tarnished silver plated holders?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle, non-abrasive silver polish formulated for plated items. Avoid aggressive rubbing that might wear through the thin silver layer to the base metal underneath.
Work carefully around raised details like acanthus leaves where polish can accumulate and dry. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately with a clean flannel.
Are removable sconces important to have?
Removable sconces are original components designed to catch melting wax and make cleaning easier. Their presence often indicates a more complete and well-preserved piece.
While candlesticks function perfectly without them, matching sconces add authenticity for collectors of Georgian and Victorian metalwork.
What candles fit antique candlesticks?
Standard taper candles often require slight trimming or the use of wax inserts to secure them firmly in older sockets. Measure the internal diameter of the nozzle before purchasing candles to ensure a safe, upright fit.
Avoid forcing an oversized candle into a tight brass or silver socket, as metal can crack or strain under pressure.
How can I tell brass from Old Sheffield Plate?
Old Sheffield Plate reveals a faint copper line along cut edges or worn high points where the silver layer has thinned. Brass displays a uniform golden or yellow alloy colour throughout its composition.
A magnet can also help identify the underlying metal core if the plating has worn away entirely.