Description

An excellent quality pair of antique silver candelabra with elegant classical styling. Plain clean lines with fluted tapering columns and bead borders. The branches, snuffers and nozzles are detachable; the candlesticks can be used on their own. Good gauge silver, unfilled and weighs well in the hand.

Weight 2328g, 74.8 troy oz.
Height 40.2cm (with branches), 29 cm(candlesticks). Spread 34.5cm.
Candlesticks London 1782 by John Scofield.
Branches, with lion and makers mark only, circa 1780.
Sterling silver.

Marks. The candlesticks are fully stamped underneath the rim with clear English hallmarks for London 1782, maker John Scofield. All pieces making up the branches (2 branch base nozzles, 2 snuffers, 4 candle nozzles) are marked with the lion and part makers mark “S”. The branches, while not original to the candlesticks, are contemporary and match well.

Literature. Hardly any antique silver candelabra survive from before the mid-18th century. Most candelabra have a detachable upper section which allows the candlesticks to be used on their own. Available in many different combinations, the smallest candelabra have just 2 arms with 2 or 3 candle lights and the largest could have an impressive 8 branches with 9 lights.

In antique times candelabra use signified burning many candles at once, an expense justified only when a number of people met or when a large room had to be lighted. Nowadays candelabras are popularly used to create an intimate atmosphere at the dining table allowing friends and acquaintances to converse across the flickering lights.