Silver Candelabrum Pair
A silver candelabrum pair brings symmetry and candlelight to a dining table, combining practical illumination with decorative presence.
Silver Candelabrum Pair
A silver candelabrum pair consists of matched multi-light branch holders designed for formal dining tables and mantelpieces. Buyers encounter examples spanning the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, originating from British, American and Continental workshops.
The form ranges from compact two-branch table models to large four-light suites and figural candelabra with cherub or maiden motifs. Many pieces function as convertible candlesticks, allowing the branching top section to detach.
Victorian and Edwardian silver plated designs dominate the selection, alongside George III Old Sheffield Plate and mid-century sterling silver interpretations. Architectural wall sconces also appear among the lighting formats.
Materials and construction methods
Makers utilised sterling silver, silver plate, Old Sheffield Plate and electroplated nickel silver over copper, brass, pewter or bronze bases. Silver giltwood and silvered metals also occur in specific Continental and decorative pieces.
Construction involved casting heavy components, hand-wrought shaping, and fusing thin silver sheets to base metals through early plating techniques. Ornate surfaces feature chased, embossed and engraved details reflecting Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau and Neoclassical styles.
Listings span from the eighteenth century to the mid-twentieth century, encompassing George III, Victorian, Edwardian and Arts and Crafts styles.
Distinctions in craftsmanship
Quality rests in the weight of the metal, the crispness of cast ornamentation and the integrity of the plating layer over the base metal. Superior examples exhibit balanced proportions across the branches and secure joints where sockets meet the main stem.
Renowned makers and documented workshops provide a level of refined chasing and structural stability that distinguishes standard production items from exceptional commissions.
Hawksworth Eyre·Garrard & Co·Matthew Boulton·Elkington·Blagden Hodgson And Co·WMF·Robert Edgar Stone
The Silver Candelabrum Pair Glossary
- Old Sheffield Plate
- A method of fusing a thin layer of silver onto a copper core before rolling them into sheets. This technique was widely used in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
- Electroplated Nickel Silver
- A base metal alloy of copper, nickel and zinc coated with a layer of pure silver using an electrical current. It became common during the Victorian period.
- Candelabrum
- A branched candlestick holding multiple candles on separate arms. The plural form is candelabra.
- Wall Sconce
- A decorative lighting fixture fixed to a wall rather than standing on a table or floor. These often match the branch configuration of table candelabra.
- Sterling Silver
- An alloy consisting of silver and other metals, usually copper, maintaining a standard purity proportion. It provides durability alongside precious metal value.
Silver Candelabrum Pair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean a silver candelabrum pair?
Use a soft cloth and a dedicated silver polish formulated to lift tarnish without abrasive scrubbing. Avoid harsh dips that can strip thin plating layers, particularly on older plated items.
Take care around weighted bases and delicate cast details such as leaves or figural elements. Rinse gently and dry thoroughly to maintain the finish.
What is the difference between Old Sheffield Plate and silver plate?
Old Sheffield Plate involves physically fusing silver to a copper ingot through heat and rolling before fabrication. This creates a durable sandwich of metals where copper sometimes shows at edges.
Standard nineteenth-century silver plate relies on electroplating silver onto a white metal or nickel alloy base. The electrical process deposits a uniform coating across the finished object.
Are these candelabra convertible into single candlesticks?
Many multi-light designs feature a removable branch section that fits into a central socket on a standard candlestick base. Removing the upper arms transforms the piece for alternative table settings.
Examining the central join reveals whether the top lifts out independently. This modular construction was common during the Georgian and Victorian eras.