Antique quadruple silverplate candelabra (candelabrum) by Beacon Silver Co. with four arms and five candle lights with ornate scroll arms and an elegant octagon shaped base. Each candle holder is faceted in shape and the candle holders themselves are removable on the four arms.
19th Century Candlesticks, Chamber Sticks and Candelabras
Up until the mid-19th century, candles were the principal source of artificial light in the home. Candle holders were fashioned from many materials, including wood, pottery, porcelain, copper, brass, iron, pewter and, less commonly, silver or silver plate. Since their basic shape was dictated by the simple cylindrical form of the candle, they remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
The early 19th century brought with it the advent of the woven wick, stearine (a highly refined animal fat), and paraffin. Prior to this time, candles had been made of tallow (animal fat) or wax (vegetable fat). Candles usually burned inefficiently and resulted in messy drippings. Therefore, candlesticks almost invariably had saucer-like disks, called drip pans or bobeches, to catch the melted wax for re-use. At first, these wax catchers were located at or near the base, but by about 1800, they were always placed at the top and were often removable.
Candlesticks made primarily for stationary use on tables are typically 6” to 12” tall. They were often made in pairs, although the wealthy sometimes had sets of 4 or more. Chamber sticks, a more portable variety, are under 5” high and have an unusually wide saucer-like base, which caught dripping wax as the stick was carried room to room. Most have a finger loop for easy transport.
When greater amounts of illumination were needed, several candle holders could be clustered around a single shaft. This arrangement is called a candelabrum. Candelabra are typically quite elaborate. Some late examples even have pierced shades and spring-loaded holders to raise the candles as they burned.
An essential feature of European and American life for centuries, candlesticks have been made in a tremendous variety of shapes and materials. Silver, however, has remained the most desirable material. Even after the advent of electric lighting, silver candlesticks were used chiefly in the dining room, suggesting that by then, they were considered decorative rather than function.
Today, candlesticks, give an aura of elegance to a room. Some of the many styles which candlestick collectors collect are candlesticks from the era of George III, Colonial candlesticks, Victorian electroplated candlesticks, Federal candlesticks and art deco candlesticks.
There is some evidence within the candle cups that this antique silver candelabra was used in the past, but the exterior is in near mint condition with its original quadruple silverplate, polished to a mirror finish, with no silverplate wear or significant silver loss. There are a few tiny spots of wear noted on just a few of the candle cups.
This vintage quadruple silverplate candelabra or candelabrum by Beacon Silver measures 9.75" in height, 11" wide and weighs 2 pounds, 4 ounces. Very sturdy and won't tip over during use! Touchmarked on the base with BEACON SILVER CO., QUADRUPLE and the pattern number 845.
A1279 - Antique BEACON SILVER CO. Quadruple Silverplate Candelabra Candelabrum Four Arms Five Lights
$250.00
