Description

A rare pair of tall antique silver candlesticks, the circular bases hand engraved with the Granville coat of arms within a foliate and scroll cartouche. Cast Britannia* standard silver.

Total weight 1590 grams, 51.1 troy ounces.
Height 22.1cm. Base diameter 15cm.
The first candlestick is from the William III period, dated 1701 by Pierre Platel.
The second candlestick is an exact copy made in the George II period, dated 1726 by David Willaume.
Both highly respected Huguenot makers.

Marks. Each has a full set of clear English silver hallmarks. Although made at different times these candlesticks are an exact pair. Both candlesticks are made of Britannia standard silver* 95.8 grade The Platel stick has the leopards head, Britannia mark and date letter stamped around the base of the column, the makers marks is stamped underneath the base. The Willaume stick has the leopards head, Britannia mark and date letter are stamped underneath the base, the makers mark is stamped on the base of the column.

Literature: *Britannia Standard silver. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent pure. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.

These heavy antique silver candlesticks are in very good condition. Excellent patina. The engravings are still crisp.

Maker: David Willaume

David Willaume, Huguenot maker, born 7 June 1658, son of Adam Willaume, goldsmith of Metz on the Pont des Morts. His first mention in London was in 1686 at the Windsor Castle, Charing Cross. Married Marie Mettayer 1690. Free 1693/94 as David Williams. First mark as largeworker undated probably 1697. Second and third marks 1719. His children were Anne, born 1691, wife of David Tanqueray, David, born 1693, and Adam and Suzanne, born 1694 and 1696, died in infancy. Willaume seems to have retired about 1728 (when David II entered a mark of distinctly different type to his father) and he purchased the Manor of Tingrith, Bedfordshire. Died circa 1741. David Willaume I was an important silversmith and enjoyed the patronage of the wealthiest clients in England. His many outstanding pieces display the highest qualities of rich design and impeccable execution. Among his impressive list of important works are the magnificent pair of wine coolers (Duke of Devonshire), the Luton Hoo toilet service, the pair of ivory mounted vases (British Museum), and the punchbowl and cover (Trinity Hall, Cambridge). David Willaume II, apprenticed to his father the master Hugeunot silversmith David Willaume I in 1707, free 1723. First and 2nd marks entered as largeworker in 1728, roughly the time of his father’s retirement. 3rd mark 1739. He became High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 1737. Goldsmith to the King 1744 and 1746. Died 1761.

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