How do I clean a gilt bronze candelabrum?

Dust the piece gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent dirt accumulation in the chased crevices of the metalwork. Avoid chemical dips or abrasive metal polishes, which strip the original fire gilding. Use a lint-free cloth for the white marble base, taking care not to let moisture seep into unsealed stone joints or bronze mounts.

Are these candelabra wired for electricity?

Most antique pieces retain their original candle sockets and have not been converted for modern electric bulbs. This preserves the historical integrity and structural balance of the twin or triple arms. Buyers wishing to use them for lighting typically employ standard taper candles rather than altering the bronze or brass components.

How do I distinguish eighteenth-century pieces from nineteenth-century revivals?

True eighteenth-century pieces display hand-chased construction methods and specific patination traits characteristic of the Louis XVI period. The vast majority of marketplace examples originate from nineteenth-century revival periods. Nineteenth-century makers adopted earlier neoclassical motifs enthusiastically, producing heavier bronze castings and distinct marble turning styles.