Very Rare Pair of 18th Century Candle-Gripping Bell Metal Candlesticks, Ca. 1775
By James Tate of Birmingham
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
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...
Category
1770s British Neoclassical Antique Other More Candle Holders