How do I clean bronze candleholders?

Dust the metal gently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent the accumulation of grime in the recesses of the casting. Avoid abrasive cleaners and chemical polishes that can strip away historic gilt or patinated surfaces. For pieces combined with marble or porcelain, keep moisture away from the joints where different materials meet. Gentle care preserves the original finish achieved by the nineteenth-century makers.

Were these pieces always used for lighting?

These fixtures served a practical lighting purpose in domestic interiors before the widespread adoption of electricity. Candles provided illumination in salons and dining rooms, held securely within the metal nozzles. At the same time, their sculptural forms acted as decorative ornaments on mantelpieces and side tables. Their dual function combined utility with ostentatious display.

How do I tell nineteenth century pieces apart?

Nineteenth-century revival pieces often draw directly upon earlier eighteenth-century French design motifs. Examining the casting quality, the composition of the base, and any added ceramic elements helps establish the manufacturing period. French workshops produced a vast quantity of these items during the Second Empire and Victorian eras. Stylistic clues within the figures, such as the rendering of cherubs or mermen, indicate the specific decade of production.

What is the difference between candlesticks and candelabra?

Candlesticks support a single candle in a single nozzle mounted on a shaft and base. They represent a simpler form of domestic lighting compared to their branched counterparts. Candelabra feature multiple arms extending from a central stem to hold several candles simultaneously. Many examples on this page allow the branches to be detached.