George II Silver Candlesticks, London 1749

Object Description

An excellent pair of antique silver candle holders with shell corners and detachable sconces. Very attractive design and heavy cast silver.

Weight 1042g, 33.5 troy oz.
Height 21cm. Base 11x11cm.
London 1749.

Maker William Gould. Sterling silver.

Marks. Both sticks are stamped underneath and have matching date and maker. The nozzles are unmarked.

Maker: William Gould

William Gould, apprenticed to his brother James Gould in 1724, entered his first mark as largeworker in 1732. Like his brother’s, his mark is found virtually on candlesticks alone. His greatest work bears the mark of William Alexander on the great Knesworth chandelier of the Fishmongers’ Company, of 1752. Since Alexander’s work is otherwise virtually unknown, it seems certain that he acted as sponsor for the piece and that Gould was the actual craftsman responsible for one of the greatest pieces of rococo silver surviving.

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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.

Object Details