Impressive Pair of Cast Silver Four-Light Candelabra, London 1812 by W Pitts

View Similar Items

George III Silver Epergne, London 1808 by William Pitts

Neoclassical George III Antique Sterling Silver Soup Tureen, William Pitts, 1799

English Georgian Neoclassical Epergne by Thomas Pitts, 1774

Sterling Silver Branch Candelabra

Pair of 3-Light George III Cast Silver Candelabras

Edwardian Silver Centrepiece Suite by Horace Woodward & Co. London

Large George V Sterling Silver Tazza by Pearce & Sons London, 1914

Rare George I Brittania Standard Silver Cup & Cover - London 1716 Lewis Mettayer

Warwick Charger, Victorian Sterling Silver, Barnards, London, 1877

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Centerpiece Bowl Candelabra Mid-Century Modern

Corinthian Column Antique Four Light Pair Of Sterling Silver Candelabra

Alex Styles Signed, Abstract Design Sterling Silver Centrepiece, London 1961

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Impressive Pair of Cast Silver Four-Light Candelabra, London 1812 by W Pitts

About the Item

An outstanding and finely cast pair of George III silver candelabra modeled in the neo-rococo style. Each standing on a shaped circular base rising to a knopped baluster stick. The removable arms with three scrolling foliate branches leading to circular, eagle and feather decorated drip pans, surmounted with spool-shaped sockets and removable sconces. Rising from the centre of the arms is a further inverted pear-shaped shaped column to a drip pan, socket and sconce, topped with a removable eagle finial. The candelabra are cast and chased throughout with representations of the four elements surrounded with flowers, scrolls and rocaille on a matted ground. The bases cast with a lion, dolphin and dragon, and the main stems are enwrapped with the lion and eagle, all rising to a cast removable finial/snuffer of a rising eagle with wings spread, allowing the pair to be used as a three-light or a four-light combination. Hallmarked for London 1812 with makers marks for William Pitts, and Joseph W Storey & William Elliott. All pieces also bear the 1830 Belgium import mark. These candelabra are in first class superb condition with very minimal wear to the expertly chased crisp decoration There are no repairs or erasures. Hallmarks are well struck and clear throughout. These are a magnificent pair of museum quality and a finer pair would be hard to find. The four elements pattern came out of the Greek Revival movement during the latter part of the 18th century, and would have complemented the contemporary architecture. This neo-rococo design uses the Lion to represent earth, the Dolphin - water, the Dragon - fire and the Eagle - air. The pattern was originally designed by Storey & Elliott. William Pitts had a close working relationship with the pair, and used them to complete commissions during busy times, thus this pair are an important example of how silversmiths worked closely together to produce exceptionally fine pieces. William Pitts (apprenticed 1769, free 1784) was the son of silversmith Thomas Pitts of James Street, himself known for his exceptional rococo epergnes, and worked with his father from 1806. The firm initially specialised in making large epergnes, pierced baskets and other important large pieces of silver. William Pitts became one of the most pre-eminent chasers of the period and was a leading out-worker used by the Royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, with his work appearing on such items as the large, sideboard dishes supplied to the Prince Regent. He was one of the finest silversmiths and chasers of the 19th century, renowned for his neo-rococo work and particularly specialising in ornate cast candlesticks and candelabra in the rococo style, decorated with animals, flowers, shells and scroll-work. He went on to work as a designer, sculptor and chaser for Paul Storr - the most important of all 19th century silversmiths. Measures: Height 51cm or 20” Width of base 18cm or 7” Diameter of arms: 43cm or 17” Weight of candelabrum 1: 5.922kg, 190.4 oz Troy or 209 oz Weight of candelabrum 2: 6.009kg, 193.2 oz Troy or 212 oz. Total combined weight: 11.9kg (approx) or 383.6 oz Troy or 421 oz.

Creator:
William Pitts (Maker),Joseph W. Story & William Elliott (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 16.93 in (43 cm)Diameter: 20.08 in (51 cm)
Style:
George III (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver,Cast
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
1810-1819
Date of Manufacture:
1812
Condition:
Seller Location:
Cornwall, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU3939311889471