Pair of Silver Sconces
A pair of silver sconces brings functional candle or electric illumination to a wall, offering reflective brilliance and decorative symmetry.
Pair of Silver Sconces
A search for pair of silver sconces leads to wall-mounted lighting fixtures and candle holders finished in silver plate, silver leaf, or sterling silver. These pieces range from compact twin-arm wall lights to substantial candle sconces and grotto designs.
The selections available include items spanning the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, alongside later Art Deco and 1930s interpretations. Many examples originate from French and Italian workshops, displaying regional preferences in ornamentation.
Buyers frequently encounter silver plated forms, giltwood frames with silvered surfaces, and cast metal structures configured for candles or wired for electricity. These fixtures serve both practical illumination and decorative wall display.
Materials and construction
Base structures utilise cast brass, bronze, pewter, or carved wood, which receive coatings of silver plate, silver leaf, or silver gilding. Artisans applied these metallic finishes over prepared wooden or metal cores to achieve reflective brilliance without the weight of solid precious metal.
Detailing often involves cast figural elements, applied glass crystals, bevelled mirrors, or carved gesso on wood. Assembly techniques combine traditional joinery for wooden backs with screwed or soldered joints for metal arms and candle nozzles.
Mermaids occasionally hold your candles.
Assessing quality and execution
Quality rests upon the crispness of cast or carved detail, particularly in figural elements, acanthus leaves, and rococo scrolls. Superior pieces exhibit hand-chased definition and robust gauge metal that resists bending.
Surface preservation distinguishes better examples, where original silver plating, silver leaf, or gilding remains intact rather than heavily worn or aggressively polished down to the base metal. Structural integrity of the backplates and secure joints for the arms also indicate higher craftsmanship.
John Cafe·Birks
The Pair of Silver Sconces Glossary
- Sconce
- A wall-mounted lighting fixture designed to hold candles or electric bulbs. These pieces project outward from the wall surface to direct light across a room.
- Silver Plate
- A thin layer of silver bonded to a base metal such as copper, brass, or Britannia metal. This technique provided the visual appeal of solid silver at a lower cost.
- Giltwood
- Wood that has been coated with gold or silver leaf applied over a prepared gesso ground. It appears frequently on decorative Italian and French frames.
- Candelabra
- A multi-branched candle holder designed to support several candles simultaneously. Some low table versions appear alongside wall-mounted lighting.
- Removable Sconces
- Detachable drip pans or nozzle inserts fitted to the top of candlesticks to catch melting wax. They lift out to facilitate cleaning.
Pair of Silver Sconces: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I mount wall sconces safely?
Wall sconces require sturdy fixings suited to the weight of the specific metal or wooden backplate. Heavier cast bronze or giltwood pieces need wall plugs and appropriate screws anchored directly into solid masonry or studwork.
For wired electric models, ensure the installation complies with local electrical standards and is connected to a secure wall junction box by a qualified person.
Can electric sconces be converted back to candles?
Many wall lights were originally designed for candles and later adapted for electricity by running wires through the arms. Converting them back depends on whether the original drip pans and candle nozzles remain intact and unmodified.
Examining the socket fittings and internal channel reveals if the conversion is reversible without damaging the structural metal.
How do I clean antique silver plated lighting?
Silver plated surfaces benefit from gentle dusting with a soft cloth and minimal moisture to protect the underlying metal. Avoid abrasive commercial dips that strip away remaining silver plate or harm delicate giltwood and crystal components.
Use a specialist silver cloth sparingly on solid areas, taking care around joined sections and decorative recesses where the plating may be thin.
What is the difference between a sconce and a candlestick?
A sconce is specifically designed to mount vertically onto a wall surface, projecting outward to illuminate a room from a fixed perimeter position. Candlestick fixtures are weighted freestanding objects built to stand upright on tables, mantelpieces, or sideboards.
While both share similar nozzle and drip pan components, their intended placement and base construction remain distinct.