Object Description
This beautiful set of four candelabra (or candlesticks) was made around 1900 by André Aucoc, a leading French silversmith of the time. Aucoc inherited the family jewellery business, La Maison Aucoc, in Paris from his elder brother, Louis. When he ran the company in the late 19th and early 20th Century, he changed its focus from the production of jewellery to silverware.
Each piece of this fine set sits on a circular fluted base, which is ringed by a floral swag, terminating in a decorative knop. Above, the stems are similarly fluted, and from their tops hang three loops of drapery, cast in silver. Each candelabrum has three arms, which spring from these fabric swags. The arms extend out from the stem, curving upwards to form wide drip-pans which are edged with beading. Above, there are fluted capitals, and these are topped by small sconces. The stems of the candelabra are topped by finials, which are modelled as flaming urns, decorated with rams’ heads and foliage swags.
The bases are signed with the silversmith’s name, ‘A. AUCOC’ and stamped with silver hallmarks.