Silver Plate Candle Holders
Silver plate candle holders bring traditional dining table illumination through plated copper, brass and nickel silver forms spanning Georgian to Edwardian periods.
Silver Plate Candle Holders
These silver plate candle holders span several centuries of dining room and parlour lighting, encompassing tall pairs, multi-light branches, chambersticks and hurricane lamps. The selection leans heavily towards Victorian and Edwardian examples alongside earlier George III forms.
Buyers encounter single sticks, telescopic columns, figural designs and substantial candelabra suites designed for formal tables. These objects combine functional illumination with period decorative styles such as Neoclassical, Rococo Revival and Art Nouveau.
How they were made
Early pieces utilise Old Sheffield Plate, a technique of fusing a thin sheet of silver to a thicker copper ingot before rolling and shaping. Later items rely on electroplated nickel silver or standard silver plate over base metals like brass and copper.
Decorative mounts, drip pans and removable sconces are cast separately and soldered or screwed into place. Weighted bases filled with pitch, resin or wood provide stability for upright stems and heavy branches.
Silver Plate Candle Holders Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for silver plate candle holders 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.
Materials across these listings include copper, brass, nickel silver, Old Sheffield Plate and standard silver plate.
What varies in quality
The weight and gauge of the underlying metal dictate the substance of the piece, where thicker construction prevents easy denting. Crispness in cast enrichment, such as acanthus leaves or fluting, separates routine manufacturing from superior craftsmanship.
The survival of the original silver layer over base metals dictates long-term appearance, as thin plating reveals copper show-through from polishing. Original matching components, detachable branches and fully intact weighted bases preserve the integrity of multi-part suites.
Mappin & Webb·Garrard & Co·Matthew Boulton·WMF·Smith & Sissons & Co
The Silver Plate Candle Holders Glossary
- Old Sheffield Plate
- An early method of fusing silver to a copper base before rolling into sheets. This technique predates electroplating and often displays a warm copper bleed at high edges.
- Electroplated Nickel Silver
- A process using an electrical current to deposit a layer of silver onto a nickel silver alloy. This method became standard for mass production from the mid-nineteenth century onward.
- Sconce
- The detachable tray or nozzle inserted at the top of a candlestick to catch melting wax. These components are frequently lost or mismatched over time.
- Chamberstick
- A low, handheld candle holder fitted with a saucer base and a small handle. They assisted movement through dark corridors before electric lighting.
- Telescopic
- A shaft design allowing the height of the candlestick to adjust up or down via a sliding inner tube. These mechanical pieces require careful handling to avoid damage.
Silver Plate Candle Holders: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean silver plate candle holders?
Use a soft cloth and a gentle, non-abrasive cream formulated specifically for silver plate. Avoid harsh scrubbing that wears away the thin metal layer over the base copper or brass.
Take care around weighted bases and felt bottoms to prevent moisture seeping inside the structure. Light dusting with a microfiber cloth between polishes keeps tarnish under control.
How do I spot Old Sheffield Plate?
Examine the edges and high points for faint streaks of reddish copper shining through the silver layer. This reveals the fused sheet construction characteristic of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
Electroplated items usually show a uniform silver tone or a greyish nickel base metal where wear occurs. Old Sheffield pieces also tend to feel heavier due to the thick copper core.
What is a chamberstick used for?
Chambersticks provided portable light for carrying through unlit rooms and hallways at night. The wide saucer caught dripping wax while the upright ring handle offered a secure grip.
Many examples include a small cone-shaped snuffer resting in a clip on the saucer. They sit well on bedside tables or desks today.