Circa early 20th century | England An antique pair of candlesticks (see The Gen) with knopped baluster stems on a rounded stepped foot. The candlesticks have a delightful patination; they are made of an unidentified metal, either patinated brass or bronze. What looks like a worn, paper-lined felt bottom protects the base. DIMENSIONS: Height 30.5 cm. CONDITION: In excellent condition, wear consistent with an antique age and use. No evident restoration. REFERENCES: For an example of patinated bronze candlesticks see Bonhams, 1 March 2010, Lot 2441. ~~~~~~~~~~~ THE GEN “The candlestick was at one time an important article to be found in almost every home. The candle and the simple oil lamp were the only available artificial illuminants, and in countries where the average temperature did not cause it to melt or droop, the candle was preferred. After the earliest time when the hollowed stone or fragment of wood served the purpose, the design of candle-holders varied from time to time and most of them reflected the artistic taste of the periods in which they were made.” (‘Candlesticks and Candelabra’, Geoffrey Willis, The Australasian Antique Collector, No. 14, 1973, pp 131–132) ~~~~~~~~~~~
