George I Silver Candlesticks

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Object Description

An excellent pair of early English silver candlesticks dating from the early 1700’s. Britannia standard silver*. Very solid cast silver with hexagonal form and baluster columns. Lovely plain style in keeping with the period. Each stick bears a hand engraved coat of arms on the base. Excellent colour.
Weight 941 grams, 30.2 troy ounces.
Height 19.5cm. Base 11cm.
London 1720.
Maker David Green.

DAVID GREENE
David Greene, London silversmith, apprenticed to Thomas Gardner 1691, turned over to Joseph Bird, free 1699 or 1700. 1st mark as largeworker 1701. 2nd (sterling mark) 1720. His mark is usually found on candlesticks and tapersticks, as did his master Joseph Bird.

Object Literature

Few domestic silver candlesticks still exist before the reign of Charles II. 17th century examples are usually made from sheet silver and are light in weight. Cast candlesticks started to appear circa 1685 and are much heavier in weight. The first loaded candlesticks appeared circa 1765 and are made of sheet, and not cast.
*Britannia Standard. In 1696, so extensive had become the melting and clipping of coinage that the silversmiths were forbidden to use the sterling standard for their wares, but had to use a new higher standard, 95.8 per cent. New hallmarks were ordered, “the figure of a woman commonly called Britannia” and the lion’s head erased (torn off at the neck) replacing the lion passant and the leopard’s head crowned. This continued until the old standard of 92.5 per cent was restored in 1720. Britannia standard silver still continues to be produced even today.
Signed/Inscribed: Each has the original scratchweight underneath the base.

Object Condition

The candlesticks are in very good condition. Stamped underneath with a full and matching set of English silver hallmarks. The engravings still have good definition with just a little wear.
Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

Object Details

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

Telephone
+44 (0)207 288 1939
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+44 (0)7904 297419
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Dealer Location

Vault 31-32
The London Silver Vaults
53-64 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1QS

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