Silvered Candelabra Pair
These silvered candelabra pair selections bring layered illumination and period gravity to a dining table or mantelpiece.
Silvered Candelabra Pair
A silvered candelabra pair typically comprises matched multi-light branches or single sconces designed for domestic table or wall illumination. Buyers exploring a silvered candelabra pair will frequently encounter Victorian and Edwardian examples alongside Georgian Old Sheffield Plate and later twentieth-century iterations.
The objects span varied configurations including large four-light table suites, low two-branch table candelabra, and wall-mounted sconces. Formats range from plain circular bases to ornate figural arrangements involving cherubs or maidens.
Origins stretch across British workshops, French makers, and Continental studios, reflecting stylistic shifts from Regency restraint to Rococo Revival and Art Nouveau exuberance.
Materials and Techniques
Construction relies upon base metals such as copper, brass, and pewter treated with silver plating, Old Sheffield Plate fusing, or direct silvering on bronze. Electroplated nickel silver and sterling silver also appear frequently across the periods represented.
Casting and hand-wrought fabrication shape the structural arms and decorative nozzles, whilst detailed chasing and repoussé work define the figural elements and floral motifs.
Mermaids and cherubs occasionally join the lighting arrangements, guarding the candles with unexpected aquatic or celestial persistence.
Markers of Distinction
Quality rests upon the crispness of cast ornamentation and the integrity of the silver coating over the underlying base metal. Heavier gauge metalwork and robust structural joints distinguish superior examples from lighter productions.
The sophistication of chased detail, such as hand-finished foliage or figural articulation, separates standard commercial items from master-wrought pieces.
Hawksworth Eyre·Garrard and Co·Matthew Boulton·Elkington·Blagden Hodgson and Co·Robert Edgar Stone
The Silvered Candelabra Pair Glossary
- Old Sheffield Plate
- A composite material made by fusing a thin sheet of silver to a thicker copper ingot, common in eighteenth and nineteenth-century production. This technique produces a warm tone as the underlying copper occasionally shows through areas of wear.
- Electroplated Nickel Silver
- A base metal alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc coated with a layer of silver via an electrical current. Introduced in the nineteenth century, it allowed manufacturers to produce durable silver-coated wares efficiently.
- Candelabra
- A branched candlestick holder designed to support multiple candles simultaneously. These pieces often feature removable branches to allow use as simple single candlesticks.
- Repoussé
- A metalworking technique where the metal is hammered from the reverse side to form a raised design in relief. This method creates tactile depth on the stems and bases of decorative metalwork.
- Wall Sconce
- A light fixture fixed directly to a wall surface rather than standing on furniture. Historical examples utilise backplates to reflect candlelight into the room.
Silvered Candelabra Pair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean antique silvered candelabra?
Clean these surfaces gently with a soft microfibre cloth and a mild aqueous solution designed for silver or plated items. Avoid harsh abrasive polishes that might strip thin silver coatings or old Sheffield plate layers.
Regular dusting prevents grime accumulation in the chased crevices of ornate Victorian or Edwardian branches.
Are these candelabra suitable for daily dining?
Many sturdy Victorian and twentieth-century examples function well for regular table use when fitted with appropriately sized candles. Ensure drip trays or bobeches catch melting wax to protect the metal finish below.
Heavier figural or antique specimens require careful handling during placement and removal of candles.
How can I tell old Sheffield plate from electroplate?
Old Sheffield plate often reveals a thin line of reddish copper showing along cut edges or high points where the silver layer has worn thin. Electroplated nickel silver shows a greyish base metal underneath worn spots rather than copper.
Examining the weight and construction seams also aids in identifying the manufacturing era.
Can missing branch components be replaced?
Sourcing exact period matching components for multi-light branches proves challenging due to unique maker specifications and hand-finished variations. Collectors generally seek complete pairs to preserve historical integrity and visual symmetry.
Consulting specialist restorers offers the safest path for addressing structural issues.