Large Silver Candlesticks
Large silver candlesticks bring monumental presence to a dining table or sideboard through substantial height and gleaming reflective surfaces.
Large Silver Candlesticks
Large silver candlesticks encompass tall single-light holders and multi-branch candelabra designed for dining tables, altars, and large rooms. When searching for large silver candlesticks, buyers encounter substantial multi-light table centrepieces and tall candlesticks dating from the eighteenth century through to the twentieth century.
The material execution spans traditional solid sterling silver and heavy silver plating over copper or base metal cores, alongside silvered carved wood. Many examples function as conversion table lamps while retaining their original proportions and form.
Origins represented in these pieces stretch across English, French, and Italian workshops, incorporating George III, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco design vocabularies. Forms include monumental pairs and matched suites featuring detachable sconces and branch attachments.
How they were made
Makers utilised heavy silver plating over copper, Old Sheffield plate, and base metal substrates, often casting structural components in solid form before applying precious metal layers. Carved wooden alternatives received a delicate coating of silver leaf applied over preparatory grounds.
Complex multi-branch candelabra required skilled silversmiths to assemble weighted bases, tapering columns, and removable drip pans or sconces through soldered joints and mechanical fittings. Surface decoration relies on chased or engraved detailing, classical revival motifs, and hand-planed joinery on wooden altar pieces.
Listings feature George III, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods, executed in silver plate, copper, carved wood, and silver leaf.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the weight of the metal, the crispness of cast decorative enrichment, and the integrity of the silver coating over base metals. Superior examples retain their original structural balance without lean, alongside fully intact detachable sconces and matching hallmarks or maker marks.
The distinction between standard commercial production and master workshop output shows in the depth of hand-chasing, the substantial gauge of the silver plate, and the precise fit of modular branches and columns.
Matthew Boulton·Elkington·Palmer & Co
The Large Silver Candlesticks Glossary
- Candelabra
- A branched candlestick holding multiple lights on a central shaft. These often feature detachable arms that convert the piece into a single candleholder.
- Old Sheffield Plate
- An early fusing technique where a sheet of silver is fused to a thick copper base before rolling. This method leaves a characteristic thin line of visible copper at exposed edges.
- Pricket
- A sharp metal spike set in the drip pan to secure a thick candle or taper. These appear frequently on ecclesiastical and altar-style candlesticks.
- Sconce
- The socket or cup at the top of a candlestick that holds the base of the candle. Many period examples include removable upper sections for cleaning.
Large Silver Candlesticks: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean large silver candlesticks?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle silver cream formulated specifically for plated or sterling surfaces. Avoid harsh dipping solutions that strip away antique patination and plating.
Take care around weighted bases and soldered joints to prevent moisture penetration during polishing.
Can electric lamps be converted back?
Many candlesticks adapted as table lamps retain their original socket configurations and weighted bases without irreversible drilling. Inspect the internal wiring channel to determine if the conversion is easily reversible.
Consult a professional restorer before attempting to remove electrical fittings from antique metal columns.
What is the difference between plate and sterling?
Silver plate consists of a thin layer of silver bonded to a base metal core such as copper, brass, or EPNS. Sterling silver denotes a solid silver alloy containing a specific high proportion of pure silver.
Examination of worn edges often reveals the underlying base metal on plated items.
How do I date a pair of candlesticks?
Dating relies on stylistic markers such as neoclassical urn motifs, Arts and Crafts hand-hammered surfaces, or Art Deco geometric profiles. Maker marks and hallmarks provide definitive chronological anchors when present.
Construction methods, including the presence of Old Sheffield plate construction lines, also indicate specific production eras.