Edwardian Style Repousse Silver-Plated Weighted Candlesticks, Pair
Candelabra/Candlestick (Hollowware) · Likely a 20th-century British or American manufacturer such as I.S.C. (International Silver Company) or a Birmingham silver-plating firm. The style is mass-produced commercial ware rather than a bespoke silversmith.
Pattern: Neoclassical Revival with Floral Repousse banding. This is a generic pattern used by multiple manufacturers to emulate 18th-century designs.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick (Hollowware)
Maker
Likely a 20th-century British or American manufacturer such as I.S.C. (International Silver Company) or a Birmingham silver-plating firm. The style is mass-produced commercial ware rather than a bespoke silversmith.
Material
Silver Plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS) over a weighted base. The weight is provided by a pitch, plaster, or cement core to ensure stability while using a thin silver-plated shell.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm). Weight: Heavily weighted with a non-silver core, likely weighing 500-800 grams each; actual silver content is minimal (micron thickness).
Description
A pair of traditional silver-plated candlesticks featuring elegant baluster stems. The design is characterized by ornate bands of floral repousse work that add texture and classic appeal to the bobeches and bases. These pieces are designed to provide the aesthetic of solid sterling silver for formal dining at a fraction of the cost, utilizing a weighted construction for a premium feel and stable tabletop performance.
Key Features
Weighted base for stability; ornate rose/floral decorative bands; mirror-polish finish; baluster-shaped pillar stem.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (likely Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS) over a weighted base. The weight is provided by a pitch, plaster, or cement core to ensure stability while using a thin silver-plated shell.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with embossed (repousse) floral and scroll borders on the bobeche, knops, and base. Features a weighted stepped circular base and a tapered baluster stem.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks would include 'E.P.N.S.', 'Made in England' or 'Silver on Copper', often accompanied by a faux-heraldic symbol to mimic true hallmarks. No visible sterling hallmarks (lion passant) are evident from typical views of this quality level.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck thin sheet metal components. The sections are likely joined with solder or a central threaded rod. The base is finished with a felt or green baize covering to hide the weighting material.
Functional Features
Standard candle socket with a flared bobeche to catch wax drippings. The weighted base prevents tipping during use.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard candlestick form). The stem serves as the primary grip point for transport.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade manufacturing. The patterns are uniform, indicating the use of industrial dies. Symmetry is excellent, typical of machine-assisted production.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of deep-struck British hallmarks suggests silver plate. The seam lines and the method of embossing indicate machine production rather than hand-chasing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United Kingdom (Birmingham/Sheffield) or United States. These were high-volume exports produced in large factories.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Revival (c. 1960-1990) mimicking Edwardian (1901-1910) and Georgian styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1985. The sharpness of the stamping and the type of finish suggests mid-to-late 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war trend of 'attainable luxury,' where middle-class households sought to replicate the formal dining aesthetics of the 19th-century aristocracy using electroplated alternatives.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The plating appears intact with no visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through). Minor surface scratches consistent with occasional polishing. Tarnish level is low.
Value Estimate
$40 - $80 USD for the pair. Marketplace value is primarily decorative rather than precious metal based.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can strip the thin silver plating. Do not submerge in water due to the weighted core which can swell or rust internally.
Similar Pieces
Sterling silver versions by Gorham or Tiffany (significantly more expensive and hallmarked); unweighted antique Sheffield Plate (heavier silver layer, copper base).
Interesting Facts
Weighted candlesticks became popular because silver is very soft; making a tall, thin candlestick out of solid sterling would make it prone to bending and very expensive. Filling them with pitch or cement allowed for grander designs at lower prices.