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by:
Susan Stone of Eve Stone Antiques, Ltd.
Woodbridge, CT
One of the most enduring items of beauty and grace
continues to be the English 18th century brass candlestick. As often
as we try, it is never quite possible to duplicate the aura of
candlelight, and the effect it has on the mood of any environment.
The history of the candlestick in England is a long but glorious
one. More candlesticks have been made of brass than any other
material. Although many types and varieties abound, age and quality
are very important factors when collecting. The method of
manufacture varies so much that the best way to determine age is
through the time tested method of constant handling and observation.
Experience, as always, is the best teacher.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and the making of brass
candlesticks is centuries old. In England, though, the brass making
industry did not flourish until end of the 17th century because the
mining rights in England belonged to the crown and thus raw
materials remained virtually untouched for manufacture. Instead,
England was primarily an agrarian society that relied on sheep
farming with wool as its major source of wealth. Domestic metalware
items were of course produced, but most likely out of scrap. It was
not until 1660 that the first truly English form is identified. This
form, known as the “trumpet”, is the most recognizable in the pure
sense. It has a large drip pan and a wide bell shaped base. It was
not until 1730 that the candlestick form in England drastically
changed. This change came about with the advent of a better form of
tallow, the animal fat used to make candles. New tallow did not drip
as badly as the old variety. Thus, the candlestick form could
change, removing the cumbersome mid drip pans of the seventeenth
century.
The most influential 18th century English design is the Queen Anne
style candlestick that was made mostly in Birmingham from 1730-1750.
Not only is it the most desirable form but the most sought after by
collectors; it is not only elegant in form, but beautiful in its
simplicity. Most of the candlesticks of this period are between 7
inches and 9 inches tall with the occasional, rare 10-inch (at most)
pair. In form, they are baluster shaped with small bulges or knops
on the stem and pretty lobed bases. The bases, though, are what
truly distinguish one type from another with the most popular forms
being known as the “petal” base, “swirl” base, “cut corner” base,
and “scallop” base. Many of the Birmingham candlesticks are stamped,
or signed. It is a point of much discussion in the antiques
marketplace as to whether these were maker’s marks or second hand
sellers stamps. In fact, although there are records of the names of
the “makers”, according to existing documentation, these names do
not list an occupation as candlestick maker!
Thus, this very short article represents just the tip of the iceberg
concerning all there is to know about 18th century brass
candlesticks in England. As a general rule of thumb, though, Eve
always says, “ buy the best you can afford when you are buying, and
never buy anything you have to make an excuse for.” An experienced
dealer is always your best source of knowledge. |