George II Antique Silver Candlesticks, London 1759

Object Description

A good quality pair of antique silver candle holders with shell corners and detachable sconces. Very attractive design and heavy cast silver.

Weight 1127g, 36.2 troy oz.
Height 25cm. Base 11.2×11.2cm.
London 1759.
Maker Alexander Johnston.
Sterling silver.

Marks. Both sticks are stamped underneath and have matching date and maker. The nozzles with lion and maker. A nice feature is the lion mark at the top of the sconces.

Maker: Alexander Johnston

Alexander Johnston, London silversmith, apprentice to Thomas Mouldern 1724, free 1734. 1st mark entered as largeworker in Foster Lane 1733. 2nd mark in Villiers St 1748. Worked at several different London addresses, moving to Panton St 1749, Spur St, Leicester Fields 1753, Old Jury 1757.

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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. The first loaded candlesticks appeared circa 1765 and are made of sheet silver, and not cast.

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.

Object Condition

These lovely candlesticks are in very condition with slight signs of wear consistent with age.

Object Details