Victorian Silver Plated Candelabra Base by Elkington & Co.
Candelabra/Candlestick · Elkington & Co.
Pattern: Neoclassical Revival with Beaded Border
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick
Maker
Elkington & Co.
Material
Silver Plated over Base Metal (EPNS with internal weighted base and threaded steel rod construction)
Dimensions
Base dimensions approximately 12 cm square, substantial weighted assembly designed to support multi-branch candelabra arms.
Description
An exceptionally crafted Victorian silver-plated candelabra base, showcasing the brilliant mirror polish and advanced electroplating techniques perfected by Elkington & Co. The stepped square foot features crisp geometric lines softened by a delicate beaded border, reflecting classic Victorian formal dining elegance. The underside reveals the intricate engineering typical of the period, with a threaded central post and original wing nut securing the weighted base.
Key Features
Original threaded internal hardware, crisp beaded border detailing, robust stepped square footprint, and high-quality British electroplate finish.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over Base Metal (EPNS with internal weighted base and threaded steel rod construction)
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish featuring a delicate beaded border along the stepped square foot and classical architectural stepped moulding.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker marks and electroplate stamps visible near the underside cavity rim, indicating mid-to-late 19th-century British manufacturing standards.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and spun components assembled using threaded rods, internal wing nuts, and soldered joints, typical of high-quality Victorian hollowware production.
Functional Features
Modular candelabra base with a central threaded post and wing nut mechanism allowing the upper arms to be securely attached, detached, or adjusted.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; features a stepped square foot designed for stable placement on dining tables or sideboards.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision spinning, clean solder seams, neatly struck beading, and durable mechanical assembly highlight the industrial craftsmanship standards of late 19th-century British silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic period construction methods including hand-cut threading, traditional wing nuts, and standard Victorian maker stamps within the hollow underside cavity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham and London, England, produced by the pioneering electroplating firm Elkington & Co.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901)
Age Estimate
Circa 1860-1890, based on the construction style, threading hardware, and electroplate manufacturing techniques.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the grandeur of Victorian dining customs, where elaborate multi-light candelabra served as centerpieces for formal evening meals and illuminated aristocratic drawing rooms.
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition. Surface shows minor light polishing swirls and age-appropriate wear to the silver plating on high-friction areas, but overall structural integrity is strong and stable.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $150 and $450 USD depending on the presence of the matching upper branches and overall preservation.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and mild silver polish specifically formulated for silver plate. Avoid harsh dips to protect the base metal underneath. Store in a dry environment away from direct humidity.
Similar Pieces
Sheffield plated candelabra bases, Walker & Hall silver-plated table pieces, and contemporary merged-branch candelabra from Barker Ellis.
Interesting Facts
Elkington & Co. patented the commercial electroplating process in 1840, revolutionizing the silverware industry by making luxurious silver-plated items accessible to the middle class while maintaining royal warrant status.