Photo by Alina Skazka
Collecting antiques of any kind is a very involved hobby. There are lots of factors to consider, whether it’s antique tea sets or vintage candlesticks that you’re into; you’ve got to be in the know. Today, we’re going over some of the things to expect when you’re hunting for vintage and antique candlesticks.
A lot of antiques can be found in very good condition, even today. Candlesticks can certainly be found in fabulous condition given their age and use, but don’t be surprised if there are noticeable wear and tear marks to any candlesticks you find on your travels.
Something that’s important to remember is that candlesticks were an essential everyday item at the time of their initial creation and usage. Anyone living in a home needed light to get by, and without electricity, candles were the only way to properly do this. Candles were so essential that a lot of upper-middle-class families had full-time staff members whose role was entirely centred around caring for the candles ensuring they are all lit and maintained as was necessary.
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
Knowing your stuff when it comes to makers is an essential for anyone wanting to get into collecting. A significant part of that involves hallmarks, which we’ll get to in a moment. Some prominent makers to consider are: Mappin and Webb, Paul Storr, Elkington & Co., Tiffany & Co., Omar Ramsden, and the Atkin Brothers. These are all widely celebrated silversmiths – most of the antique candlesticks you’ll find will be silver – and so it’s important to know who they are as well as being able to identify their hallmarks.
Beginning a collection with all of the pieces being from the same maker is a great place to start if you’re looking for a suitable point to get the ball rolling.
The style of the antique candlesticks doesn’t hold as much bearing on their value as the overall condition of them does. If you’re establishing a complete collection, buying candlesticks that are either from a similar era or are emulating the same styles is a good way to create cohesion and ensure that your collection is perceived as such and not as some sort of cluster of different items.
Whichever style you most enjoy is where you should be looking when you want to collect antique candlesticks. Whether that’s candelabrum, tapersticks, or chambersticks, there are antique designs suitable to everyone’s tastes. Explore some ideas to figure out what you like and what you’re less invested in when it comes to candlesticks.
Photo by Lokman Sevim
For most antiques, stamps and hallmarks are some of the best ways to ensure important information such as age, maker, and origin. Learning some all-important hallmarks will make life a lot easier for you when you’re out hunting for the next piece in your collection.
The biggest assay offices that have operated across the UK have been in: Newcastle, Sheffield, Birmingham, and London. Establish which hallmark belongs to which assay office and you’ll at least have some information about the origins of the item. When you’re inspecting an item that you’re thinking of buying, check to see if it has any visible hallmarks as well as what sort of condition they are in – completely worn hallmarks are far less valuable to you and the cost of the item should be reflected accordingly.
Buying and selling antiques can be a dangerously addictive hobby, particularly when the antiques being collected are as beautiful and practical as candlesticks. With these helpful tips in hand, you can approach starting a candlestick collection, or even just expanding the one you already have, with a whole new arsenal at the ready. Best of luck, and do let us know if you have any other helpful tips we haven’t yet considered!
