Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks bring classical proportion and bright metal to a table, making them a lasting choice for dining rooms.
Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks encompass matched pairs and sets of four designed for dining tables, sideboards, and desks. The examples found here span the Edwardian period alongside adjacent Victorian and George V years, with classical forms dominating the selection.
Buyers will most frequently encounter paired table sticks alongside smaller desk candlesticks, chambersticks, and occasional column forms. The design vocabulary draws heavily from Neoclassical and Corinthian styles, often rendered in solid sterling silver or mounted work.
Materials and construction methods
These pieces utilise sterling silver sheets formed over weighted cores, a method necessary to provide stability to tall columns and slender stems. Sheffield and London assay offices predominate, ensuring standard purity marked with appropriate date letters and maker symbols.
Detailing relies on classical embossing, fluting, and applied cast elements such as rams heads or Corinthian capitals. Cut glass occasionally appears in associated desk accessories and lighting variants.
Several pairs incorporate miniature rams heads into their classical capitals, adding a touch of rustic mythology to the dining table.
Distinctions in craftsmanship and design
Quality rests upon the crispness of the cast ornamentation and the integrity of the structural proportions. Better examples maintain sharp fluting and well-defined capital details without smoothing from excessive cleaning.
The weight of the silver and the clarity of the hallmarks contribute significantly to the standing of a pair. Maker attribution to notable workshops further separates standard production from finer output.
James Fenton·Walter Latham And Son·Thomas Bradbury And Sons Ltd·William Hutton And Sons·Robert Pringle And Sons·Fordham And Faulkner·Nathan And Hayes·James Dixon And Sons
The Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks Glossary
- Sterling silver
- An alloy consisting of ninety-two point five percent silver by mass, with the remainder being other metals, usually copper. This standard is guaranteed by official hallmarking.
- Hallmark
- An official mark stamped onto silver items by an assay office to indicate purity, origin maker, and the year of testing. These marks provide definitive dating for Edwardian pieces.
- Chamberstick
- A low candlestick fitted with a pan to catch dripping wax and a ring handle for carrying around a bedroom or hallway. They are practical domestic items from the period.
- Corinthian column
- A classical architectural order featuring an ornate capital decorated with acanthus leaves, frequently adopted for tall silver candlesticks. This design is prevalent in Edwardian formal silver.
Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean edwardian sterling silver candlesticks?
Use a soft cloth and a dedicated silver polish designed to lift tarnish gently without abrading the surface detail. Avoid harsh dips that can strip the darker oxidation deliberately left in recessed areas by makers.
Store the pieces away from direct sunlight and damp environments to minimise future tarnish accumulation. Regular handling with clean hands helps maintain a natural, glowing patina.
Are these candlesticks weighted?
Most tall silver candlesticks from this era contain a weighted interior base, often filled with resin or plaster, to provide stability. This traditional construction prevents the slender shafts from tipping over easily during use.
Because of this filling, the candlesticks are substantially heavier than standard hollowware. Care should be taken not to submerge them in water during cleaning.
How can I date my candlesticks?
Examine the hallmarks stamped on the base or nozzle to find the assay office mark, standard mark, and date letter. Each assay office used specific letter cycles corresponding to the year of manufacture.
Matching these letters against official assay office charts reveals the exact year the silver was tested and entered the market.