George II Cast Silver Candlesticks by William Gould


Date: 1740

Maker: William Gould

Country: England

Stock: 7007

Description

An excellent pair of rare early English sterling silver candlesticks. Lovely plain style embellished with broad bands of ribbing, a decoration popular at this time. Very solid and heavy cast metal with knopped and baluster vase shaped stems and square stepped and hollowed out bases with canted corners. Each stick bears the crest of a goats head within the well. Excellent weight and colour. Weight 887 grams, 28.5 troy ounces. Height 17 cms. Base 10.75 cms square. London 1740. Maker William Gould.


Biography

William Gould

William Gould, apprenticed to his brother James Gould in 1724, entered his first mark as largeworker in 1732. Like his brother's, his mark is found virtually on candlesticks alone. His greatest work bears the mark of William Alexander on the great Knesworth chandelier of the Fishmongers' Company, of 1752. Since Alexander's work is otherwise virtually unknown, it seems certain that he acted as sponsor for the piece and that Gould was the actual craftsman responsible for one of the greatest pieces of rococo silver surviving.

Condition

These exceptional candlesticks are in excellent condition with no damage or restoration. They are made of very heavy cast silver, thick gauge sterling silver. The silver marks are stamped in each corner underneath both candlesticks and the each sconce has the lion passant. Each has a hand engraved crest which is still sharp. An interesting detail is the date letter stamped under the right hand stick – it has been reversed. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

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