Two Arm Candelabra
These two arm candelabra pieces bring balanced candle illumination and period character to a room, ranging from simple table branches to ornate wall lights.
Two Arm Candelabra
A two arm candelabra provides twin branches for holding candles, appearing in forms such as table pairs, wall sconces, and converted lamps across various periods.
The selections span from the late nineteenth century through to the mid-twentieth century, showing distinct influences from French Rococo Revival, Arts and Crafts, and Victorian designs.
Buyers encounter materials like brass, silver plate, gilt bronze, and cut crystal, reflecting the diverse domestic lighting needs of their respective eras.
Materials and Construction
Metalwork forms the backbone of these pieces, utilising cast brass, gilt bronze, ormolu, and silver plate to create sturdy frames and branching arms.
Glass and stone elements such as cut crystal pendants and marble bases appear frequently, adding weight and reflective quality to the overall assembly.
The inventory includes both English and French origins, encompassing wall sconces, table candelabra, and chandeliers.
Assessing Quality and Execution
The crispness of casting detail on bronze, brass, or pewter elements separates standard production items from finer studio or foundry pieces.
Proportion and balance between the twin arms and the central stem dictate the visual harmony of the finished object.
Barker Ellis·WMF·Claude Clodion·Clarkes
The Two Arm Candelabra Glossary
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze, where a finely ground gold-mercury amalgam is applied to a bronze base and heated to drive off the mercury.
- Silver Plate
- A thin layer of silver applied to a base metal core, such as nickel silver or copper, offering the appearance of solid silver.
- Wall Sconce
- A light fixture fixed to a wall, designed to project candle light or electrical illumination into a space.
- Rococo Revival
- A nineteenth-century design movement favouring asymmetrical scrollwork, naturalistic curves, and ornate floral motifs.
Two Arm Candelabra: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean tarnished brass or silver?
Gentle dusting with a soft cloth preserves the metal finish without stripping the historical patina. Avoid harsh chemical dips that remove surface character.
For silver plated items, specific non-abrasive polishes applied sparingly maintain the reflective quality of the branches.
Were these originally for candles or electricity?
Most pieces from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were manufactured specifically for wax or tallow candles. Later examples and adaptive conversions incorporate electrical wiring for domestic bulb use.
Inspecting the inner sockets reveals whether the arms held standard candle holders or lamp fittings from the start.
How do I date a two arm candelabra?
Stylistic markers such as Arts and Crafts austerity or French Rococo asymmetry offer initial chronological clues. Material composition and mounting fixings help narrow down the decade of production.
Maker stamps or registry marks, where present on the metal base, provide precise confirmation of origin.