What is the difference between candlesticks and candelabra?

Candlesticks hold a single candle in a socket, whereas candelabra feature branched arms to hold multiple lights from one central stem. Candelabra often incorporate adjustable arms or removable lustre attachments to vary the lighting effect.

How do I identify Regency period pieces?

Regency items typically display strict classical symmetry, architectural column forms, and motifs drawn from ancient Greece and Rome. Look for patinated bronze combined with ormolu and marble bases. Proportions are generally clean and restrained compared to the later Victorian era.

Can I use antique candlesticks with modern candles?

Most antique sockets accommodate standard taper candles, though slight variations in nineteenth-century sizing occur. A small beeswax shim or snug fit ensures safety during use. Care should be taken to extinguish candles before the flame reaches metal or glass components.

How should I clean ormolu and bronze?

Ormolu and patinated bronze require only gentle dusting with a soft, dry brush to prevent the accumulation of grit. Avoid metal polishes, chemical dips, or abrasives entirely, as these strip the historical gilding and patination.