Thomas Bradbury & Sons George III Style Sterling Silver Candlestick (c. 1915)
Candelabra/Candlestick · Thomas Bradbury & Sons, a prestigious Sheffield-based silversmithing firm established in the mid-18th century, renowned for high-quality hollowware and fidelity to traditional Georgian designs.
Pattern: George III Neoclassical Reeded Pattern; part of their traditional range inspired by 18th-century English silver.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick
Maker
Thomas Bradbury & Sons, a prestigious Sheffield-based silversmithing firm established in the mid-18th century, renowned for high-quality hollowware and fidelity to traditional Georgian designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark. Likely features a weighted or loaded base for stability.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 8-10 inches; weight typically between 400-600 grams, though often 'loaded' with resin or lead which adds significant weight not reflected in silver scrap value.
Description
An elegant sterling silver candlestick exhibiting the refined restraint of the Neoclassical period. Its stepped, square base and reeded columnar stem provide a timeless silhouette that complemented the sophisticated interiors of the early 1900s. Thomas Bradbury & Sons were masters of this form, ensuring the metal thickness and finish met the highest standards of British silversmithing.
Key Features
Crisp London hallmarks on the base rim; classic reeded decoration; weighted stability; distinctive Thomas Bradbury maker's mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark. Likely features a weighted or loaded base for stability.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror polish with Neoclassical reeded decoration along the stem and base. The design reflects a restrained, elegant aesthetic typical of the early 20th-century Georgian revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full set of London hallmarks: Lion Passant (English Sterling), Leopard's Head (London Assay Office), date letter 'u' (1915), and the maker's mark 'TB' over 'S' for Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd.
Construction Details
Manufactured using a combination of die-stamping for the base and stem sections, which are then expertly soldered together. The bottom is finished with a protective felt or leather covering over the loading material.
Functional Features
Tapered socket for standard candles; feature removable sconce/nozzle (bobeche) for easy cleaning of wax drips; weighted base to prevent tipping.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; the stem acts as the primary grip, featuring a flared design to ensure stability during transport.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent attention to detail in the soldering of the sections, which are nearly invisible. The hallmark strike is exceptionally well-centered on the rim, indicating a piece passed through top-tier quality control.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency is excellent; the spacing and depth are appropriate for 1915 tool-striking. The maker's mark 'TB/S' correctly identifies the Bradbury firm during their limited liability company years.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England (Assay status). The workshop was based in Sheffield, but many high-end pieces were sent to the London office for prestige assaying.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / WWI Era (1914-1918), executed in the George III (1760-1820) Neoclassical revival style.
Age Estimate
Dated precisely to 1915 based on the London 'u' date letter and the specific maker's mark registration for Thomas Bradbury.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Georgian Revival' in British design, a movement where WWI-era craftsmen looked back to the 18th century for symbols of order, luxury, and national heritage during a time of global conflict.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Minor surface oxidation (tarnish) and light 'swirl' scratches from cleaning. The hallmarks remain very crisp, which is a sign of light polishing over the last century.
Value Estimate
$400 - $650 per candlestick, or $1,000 - $1,400 for a matched pair, depending on size and absence of dents.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's; avoid ultrasonic cleaners due to the weighted base which can be damaged by moisture; store in a Pacific cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Compare to Mappin & Webb or Elkington & Co. candlesticks of the same era. Bradbury pieces are generally considered slightly superior in gauge (thickness) and fidelity to original 18th-century forms.
Interesting Facts
The Bradbury family was one of the longest-running silver dynasties in Sheffield, operating for over 200 years. Their lineage can be traced back to the apprenticeship of Thomas Bradbury I in 1750.