Vintage Pair of Empire Style CandlesticksAttributed 19th Century, Patinated Metal with Traces of Silvering, Tapered Columns, 21.6 cm

In the nineteenth century, many families wanted the shine of silver on their tables without its cost. The answer was to coat a base metal with a thin layer of silver. Over decades of polishing and handling, that layer wears away first on the high points, letting the warm metal beneath show through. Collectors call this softly two-toned look “bleeding,” and it gives old silvered pieces a lived-in character all their own.

This pair of candlesticks, attributed to the nineteenth century, shows that character clearly. Each stands on a round base edged with a fine rope-twist border, around which runs a band of scalloped, drape-like ornament. A tapered, faceted column rises to a rope-twist collar and an urn-shaped candle cup, decorated with the same scalloped drapery and topped with a plain rim. The shapes are crisp and classical, in the Empire style, and the remaining traces of silvering shimmer against the warmer metal.

The candlesticks are in good condition, with no breaks. There are a few small dents along the edges of the bases. They make a characterful pair for a mantelpiece, a sideboard or a dining table, where candlelight brings out both tones of the metal.

In short, this is a vintage pair of Empire style candlesticks in patinated metal with traces of silvering, attributed to the nineteenth century. Each is 21.6 cm tall, and they are exactly as pictured.

DETAILS

Size: Height 21.6 cm (8.5 in); base diameter 12 cm (4.7 in) each. Each is a little taller than a paperback book.
Material: Patinated metal with traces of silver-tone finish
Style-Period: Empire style; vintage, attributed to the nineteenth century
Weight: 950 g (2.1 lb) for the pair
Shipping: Professionally packed, fully insured, worldwide. We handle the paperwork, with all import duties paid by us; nothing to settle on delivery.
Condition: Good; no breaks; a few small dents along the edges of the bases; silvering worn, with warm metal showing through.
Returns: Accepted within 30 days.

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A decorative style is not a guarantee of a particular maker or date. See the individual listing for the stated attribution and period.

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