Other More Candle Holders

A very rare pair of 18th century neoclassical bell-metal candlesticks fitted with a unique candle gripping mechanism developed & patented by James Tate of Birmingham in 1775. Both showing flaring squared columns with hand embossed honeysuckle motifs, rising to tulip-shaped sockets with flaring drip pans that rotate and activate 3 horizontal flanges that grip a variety of different sized candles (one mechanism seized). Both raised overall on squared stepped basses bearing partially rubbed marks presumably for James Tate, together with the word PATENT within a wavy rectangular cartouche. Both also retaining their original push-rod candle ejectors. It is well established as referenced by Ronald Michaelis in his book titled ‘Old Domestic Base Metal Candlesticks’, that very few antique bronze or brass candlesticks bear a maker’s mark, perhaps only one in a thousand. Both exhibit an exceptional warm pinkish hue due to the high ratio of copper used in...

A very handsome and rare pair of early 18th century bell metal candlesticks, both showing flaring stems with cushioned & faceted knops terminat...