Object Description
An excellent quality pair of antique silver candlesticks having baluster stems and shaped bases. Heavy cast silver and good original colour. Each is hand engraved within the well of the base with an insignia containing the royal motto.
Weight 1171 grams, 37.6 troy ounces.
Height 20cm. Bases 12cm square.
London 1749.
Maker David Willaume II.
Sterling silver.
Marks. Stamped around the bottom inner edge with a full set of clear English silver hallmarks, one sconce with the lion mark (worn). The makers marks are slightly mis-struck but clearly for David Willaume II.
Insignia. The motto ‘Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense’ is contained within a belt and buckle border, a lion crest within, a crown above.
Maker: David Willaume II
David Willaume I, Huguenot maker, born 7 June 1658, son of Adam Willaume, goldsmith of Metz on the Pont des Morts. His first mention in London was in 1686 at the Windsor Castle, Charing Cross. Married Marie Mettayer 1690. Free 1693/94 as David Williams. First mark as largeworker undate probably 1697. Second and third marks 1719. His children were Anne, born 1691, wife of David Tanqueray, David, born 1693, and Adam and Suzanne, born 1694 and 1696, died in infancy. Willaume seems to have retired about 1728 (when David II entered a mark of distinctly different type to his father) and he purchased the Manor of Tingrith, Bedfordshire. Died circa 1741.
David Willaume I was an important silversmith and enjoyed the patronage of the wealthiest clients in England. His many outstanding pieces display the highest qualities of rich design and impeccable execution. Among his impressive list of important works are the magnificent pair of wine coolers (Duke of Devonshire), the Luton Hoo toilet service, the pair of ivory mounted vases (British Museum), and the punchbowl and cover (Trinity Hall, Cambridge).
David Willaume II, apprenticed to his father the master Hugeunot silversmith David Willaume I in 1707, free 1723. First and 2nd marks entered as largeworker in 1728, roughly the time of his father’s retirement. 3rd mark 1739. He became High Sheriff of Bedfordshire in 1737. Goldsmith to the King 1744 and 1746. Died 1761.
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