Antique Silver Candlesticks

The antique silver candlestick is perhaps the quintessential antique silver object. It makes perfect sense. Not only is it beautiful, but silver is the most reflective metal known to man.
In the times before electricity one point of light became many, as the single candle flame was reflected numerous times. The effect was, and still is, dazzling, and quite seductive. Candle light gives off a romantic and flattering light, and creates a wonderful ambience at the dinner table. Augment this atmosphere with fine silver candlesticks and silverware and you have created a rare and special occasion!

The term candlestick is often interchanged for candle holder, but really a candlestick is simply a type of candle holder. They are only truly candlesticks when tall, on a stem. Some people erroneously term them silver candlestick holders, believing that the candle itself is the candlestick. Silver Candle holders could also be silver chambersticks or silver candelabra.
Also we should note that all which can be said of the silver candlestick can also be said of antique silver plate candlesticks too, as they were made in tandem with silver examples from 1765 to the present day, in identical styles and qualities.

It is very rare to find a silver candlestick prior to 1600, but by the 18th century antique silver candlesticks are quite plentiful. Many different designs proliferated, and the styles and heights were both matters of fashion which changed quite regularly. Georgian silver candlesticks started in the early 18th century, as standard, around 6� tall. By the end of the century 10-12 inches was the norm for silver candlesticks, and smaller examples were made for different purposes such as piano candlesticks or silver candlesticks for the side table.
Old Sheffield Plate Candesticks were made in the identical styles as their silver counterparts, and many Georgian manufacturers made both solid silver and silver plate candlesticks.

Victorian silver candlesticks could be any height, and it was not abnormal in the Victorian period to have candlesticks as tall as 12.5 inches. The smaller sorts prevailed also, but as before, for different uses than general lighting of rooms and, of course, the dinner table. Many designs were also popular, and the invention of electroplate meant that silver plate candlesticks could be bought in large quantity and inexpensively.
Then, of course, the invention first of gas lighting, and later electricity. Candlesticks became, quite understandably, less plentiful, and were, as today, solely produced to enhance the ambience of an evening room, especially the dinner table.

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A Pair of Art deco Georg Jensen Silver Candlesticks designed by Arno Malinowski

These little candlesticks are rather rare. I've never seen this design before, and they are engraved "Julen 1940". Although they are identical in design one is hollow... More Details & Photos

A fine pair of Post War Silver Candlesticks by Robert Welch

These elegant modernist silver wine coasters were made by one of the very best names in Post War British Design: Robert Welch. They are sterling silver, fully hallmarked... More Details & Photos

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A Pair of Georgian Silver Candlesticks

This pair of Georgian silver candlesticks were made in London 1758 by John Perry and are of excellent quality. They are cast, and stand 10.5cm tall. Each Georgian... More Details & Photos

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A Pair of Arts and Crafts Silver Candlesticks by James Dixon and Sons

This set of Sterling Silver Arts and Crafts candlesticks were made by James Dixon and Sons in Sheffield 1947, and bear full English silver hallmarks for this date.... More Details & Photos

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A Pair of Post War Silver Candlesticks by Leslie Durbin

This beautiful pair of Post War Silver candlesticks were made by the renowned silversmith Leslie Durbin. They are marked for London 1973. They feature three salmon... More Details & Photos