George II Antique Silver Candlesticks

Object Description

A handsome pair of antique silver candle holders. Very attractive design with knopped columns and shaped bases. Heavy cast silver and good original colour. Each has a hand engraved armorial within the well of the base.

Weight 807g, 25.9 troy ounces.
Height 16.66cm. Base 10.2cm.
London 1737.
Maker James Gould.
Sterling silver.
18th century

Marks. Each stick is stamped underneath with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks, the top of the sticks have the lion mark.

Maker: James Gould

James Gould, London silversmith, apprenticed to David Green (specialist candlestick and taperstick maker) in 1714, free 1722. 2 marks (Sterling and New Standard) entered in 1722. 3rd mark circa 1733. Livery 1739. 4th mark 1739. 5th mark 1743. Court 1745. Died circa 1747 when Mrs James Gould entered her mark.

His son James II, born 1730, was apprenticed to his father in 1744. James II is noted as a working candlestick maker but no mark seems attributable to him.

William Gould was apprenticed to his brother James Gould in 1724 and entered his first mark as largeworker in 1732. Like his brother, his mark is found virtually on candlesticks alone.

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Object Literature

Few domestic antique silver candlesticks still exist before the reign of Charles II and 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. Although many early candlesticks had fixed nozzles the first cast candlesticks were made without these useful drip pans. During the period c.1735-50 candlesticks with detachable nozzles appeared which facilitated much easier cleaning. The first loaded candlesticks appeared circa 1765 and are made of sheet silver, and not cast.

Object Condition

These fine candlesticks are in very good condition. Both completely matching and original. Excellent patina. The hand engraved armorials show signs of wear.

Object Details