Can I use real candles in them?

Most antique candelabra accept standard taper candles provided the sockets are clean and measure correctly for the wax. Ensure the piece sits on a level surface before lighting to prevent any dripping onto surrounding furniture. Take care when extinguishing flames near ormolu to avoid smoke residue settling on the gilt surfaces. Many owners prefer modern dripless candles to protect the antique metal from stubborn wax accumulation.

How do I tell nineteenth century from later copies?

Early nineteenth-century examples display hand-chased surface details and heavy construction using genuine bronze and statuary marble. Later reproductions often substitute lighter brass or gilt metal with simpler, unrefined casting. Examine the joinery and fixings underneath the base to see if the screws and threads match period manufacturing techniques. Older pieces carry natural wear patterns and minor oxidisation appropriate to their age.

Where should I place a pair of candelabra?

These tall pieces suit a dining table, mantelpiece or heavy sideboard where their vertical lines anchor the visual space. Placing them symmetrically frames a mirror or a central decorative object in an entrance hall. Ensure they sit away from high-traffic walkways where a dangling sleeve might catch a branch or tip the heavy marble base.