Silver Dining Table Candlesticks
Silver dining table candlesticks bring height and soft light to formal dining, appearing in solid sterling or plated copper across multiple periods.
Silver Dining Table Candlesticks
Silver dining table candlesticks encompass single-light holders and multi-branch candelabras designed for formal table settings. You will encounter pairs and sets spanning the Georgian era through the Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-twentieth-century periods.
The selections range from tall Corinthian column designs to low dwarf candlesticks and large multi-light candelabras with detachable sconces. Many pieces draw on Neoclassical and Georgian stylistic revivals, executed in both solid sterling silver and plated metal.
Makers and workshops from London, Sheffield, and continental Europe produced these items for domestic dining use. They survive as matched pairs or larger suites complete with branches and bobeches.
Materials and Construction
Makers utilised sterling silver, silver plate, Old Sheffield plate, and electroplated nickel silver over base metals such as copper. Many hollow-are candlesticks relied on internal resin or weighted bases to provide stability on the dining table.
Silversmiths cast, spun, or stamped components before assembling them through soldering and mechanical joints. Surface decoration involved hand chasing, engraving, and applied neoclassical borders.
Silver Dining Table Candlesticks Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for silver dining table candlesticks among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
The available listings span the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-twentieth-century periods, utilising sterling silver, silver plate, copper, and EPNS.
Craftsmanship and Proportion
Quality rests in the crispness of the cast ornamentation, the structural integrity of the joints, and the thickness of the silver or plating over the base metal. Superior examples retain balanced proportions, heavy weight, and clearly struck hallmarks or maker marks.
Worn plating that exposes the underlying copper or base metal alters the visual harmony of a pair. Pieces that retain their original detachable sconces and matching branch components command greater regard among collectors.
Conrad Eduard Mappe·Garrard & Co·John Cafe·Smith & Sissons·Barker Ellis
The Silver Dining Table Candlesticks Glossary
- Hallmark
- Official stamps struck into precious metals indicating the standard of purity, the assay office, and the date letter. These marks allow you to trace the exact origin and year of manufacture.
- Sconce
- The detachable pan or nozzle fitted at the top of a candlestick to catch melting wax. This component protects the main body of the piece and lifts out for cleaning.
- Old Sheffield Plate
- An early fusing technique where a sheet of silver is fused to a thick copper base before rolling. This method predates electroplating and creates a distinct layered edge.
- Candelabra
- A branched lighting fixture holding multiple candles on a single base. Many antique examples feature removable arms that convert the piece into a standard candlestick.
- Corinthian Column
- A classical architectural order featuring acanthus leaves and scrolls used to decorate the shaft of a candlestick. This neoclassical motif became popular during the Georgian period and subsequent revivals.
Silver Dining Table Candlesticks: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean antique silver candlesticks?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle, non-abrasive silver polish formulated for antiques to preserve the surface detail. Avoid harsh dips that strip the patina and original highlights from engraved or chased decoration.
Take care around weighted bases and hollow sections to prevent moisture from entering the interior. Wash away residue with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft flannel cloth.
How do I distinguish sterling from silver plate?
Examine the piece for official hallmarks such as a lion passant indicating British sterling silver. The absence of these standard assay marks often points toward electroplated nickel silver or old Sheffield plate.
Look closely at high-wear areas like rims and corners where the silver layer may show the pinkish hue of underlying copper. Unmarked continental items frequently carry numeric purity stamps like 916 instead of traditional hallmarks.
Why do some candlesticks feel heavier than others?
Many antique candlesticks contain a weighted interior filling composed of resin, plaster, or pitch to provide stability on the dining table. This traditional construction method prevents the tall, top-heavy forms from tipping over easily.
Solid sterling silver examples without internal weighting are uncommon due to the high cost of metal. Pieces constructed from solid sheet metal or heavy cast components rely on their own gauge rather than filling.