Chloe Adams
Antique candle holders are highly sought-after items that can transform your space into a historical dream. Silver was the primary material for candle holders in the past, but by the 20th century, brass became a more common material. Dating brass candle holders can be done through a few methods: checking the design, inspecting for maker's marks, and examining the material. For example, prior to the mid-18th century, candlestick bases were primarily round or square. Additionally, genuine antique solid brass should wipe clean easily and is non-magnetic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Brass, silver, bronze, tin, plastic, ceramics |
| Design | Ridged ball knop, trumpet-shaped foot, vortex design, tall solid-stemmed, knopped cast hollow stem |
| Maker | William Café, WC |
| Date | 1650, 1690-1710, 1720-30, 1750, 1761, 1762, 1790-1800, 1800-1820 |
| Place of Origin | England, Continental Europe |
| Features | Drip pan, socket hole, candle ejector push rod, bobèche |
| Authentication | Check for dirt, rust, magnetism, and scratch marks |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the material
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper, and is non-magnetic. A simple way to determine if an object is made of brass is to use a magnet—if it sticks, it's not brass. Brass is also denser and heavier than many other metals, so it will feel weighty.
Brass has a distinctive appearance, often with a shiny, warm, golden hue. However, the colour can vary depending on its composition. For example, yellow brass has a brighter yellow shade, while red brass will have a pinkish coppery colour. Unlacquered brass is classed as a "living finish", meaning that over time, when exposed to moisture and air, it will naturally tarnish and turn green. This patina can be buffed out to retain a high-shine finish.
A simple scratch test can help identify brass. Scratch an inconspicuous area of the object with a sharp tool. If the scratch reveals a similar yellow tone underneath, it is likely brass. Brass plating will show a silver, or sometimes copper base metal.
If you have access to a known piece of solid brass, you can compare it to your suspected brass item, looking for colour differences, weight variations, and other characteristics that align with brass.
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Look for maker's marks
Makers' marks are an important feature to look out for when trying to date brass candle holders. These marks, which are typically found underneath the candlestick, can indicate whether the piece was produced by a known craftsman or manufacturer. If you're able to identify these marks, you can research the craftsman or manufacturer and potentially gain insight into the age and value of the candle holder.
Makers' marks can also help you identify the style of the candle holder, which can provide clues about its age. For example, if the maker's mark indicates that the piece was created by a manufacturer known for producing Art Nouveau-style brassware, you can estimate that the candle holder likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, as this was the predominant period for this artistic movement.
It's worth noting that not all antique candle holders will have makers' marks, especially those made of glass or other cheaper materials. These types of candle holders were often mass-produced and may not bear the marks of a specific craftsman or manufacturer. However, the presence or absence of makers' marks can still provide valuable information about the relative rarity and potential value of the piece.
When examining brass candle holders, look for any distinctive markings, symbols, or signatures that could indicate the maker. These marks are often subtle and may require close inspection to identify. Sometimes, these marks can be hidden or obscured by age and patina, so a thorough examination of the entire piece may be necessary.
If you're able to identify the maker's mark, the next step is to research that particular craftsman or manufacturer. This may involve consulting antique guides, online databases, or forums dedicated to antique identification. By cross-referencing the maker's mark with additional information about the style, material, and approximate age of the candle holder, you can often narrow down the potential maker and gain a better understanding of the piece's history and value.
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Check for novelty
When it comes to dating brass candle holders, checking for novelty is an important aspect of determining their value. While brass candle holders may not be as sought-after as those made of silver or other precious metals, their novelty can still make them desirable collector's items.
Novelty in candle holders often lies in unique colours, shapes, and materials. For example, vintage candle holders with interesting designs or brand names can be highly valued by collectors. A Fenton fairy lamp with an iridescent hobnail pattern, for instance, was valued at $199 due to its unusual design and brand name. On the other hand, a simple, unmarked brass candle holder from the same period was valued at only $54.
Candle holders with unique features, such as conversion into electric lights, can also be considered novel and attract a specific group of buyers. Additionally, the maker's marks on a candle holder can significantly impact its novelty and value. Known craftsmen or manufacturers can increase the value of a piece, and certain makers' marks can be indicative of specific historical periods. For example, a pair of George III sterling silver candlesticks from 1761, bearing the maker's mark of William Café, are indicative of that particular era.
Furthermore, the shape and design of a brass candle holder can contribute to its novelty. For instance, an English brass candlestick from circa 1650 features a practical design with a drip pan to catch melted wax, making it suitable for carrying around the house. This unique design feature adds to its novelty and historical significance. Another example is a pair of 18th-century brass candlesticks with tall, solid stems and a wide flange at the top of the socket, showcasing a distinct design from the first half of the 18th century.
Overall, when checking for novelty in brass candle holders, look for unique design elements, brand names, conversion features, maker's marks, and historical design influences. These factors can significantly impact the value and desirability of a brass candle holder to collectors.
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Estimate the age
The age of brass candle holders can be estimated by considering several factors, including design, material, maker's marks, and novelty. Firstly, examine the design of the candle holder. Certain design elements can indicate the time period in which the piece was created. For example, candlestick bases were primarily round or square before the mid-18th century, as evidenced by a pair of George II brass candlesticks from circa 1750.
Additionally, the material used can provide clues about the age. Silver was one of the main materials used in the distant past, but by the 20th century, cheaper materials like brass became more common. Maker's marks, typically found underneath the candlestick, can also help estimate the age of the piece. For instance, a pair of George III sterling silver candlesticks from London, dated 1761, bear the maker's mark of William Café.
Novelty is another factor that can attract buyer interest and increase the value of vintage candle holders. Unusual designs, brand names, and conversion to electric lights can make old candle holders more desirable. For example, a vintage Fenton fairy lamp with an iridescent hobnail pattern and a brand name can be valued higher than a simple, unmarked brass candle holder of the same age.
Furthermore, the condition of the brass candle holder can provide insights into its age. Solid brass should wipe clean easily with minimal effort. If dirt or rust is present and cannot be removed even with vigorous rubbing, it is likely that the piece is not made of solid brass. A magnet test can also be performed; if the magnet sticks to the candlestick, it is not genuine brass, as brass is non-magnetic.
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Test for authenticity
To test the authenticity of brass candle holders, there are a few methods you can use. Firstly, examine the candle holder for any dirt or residue. Solid brass should be relatively easy to wipe clean with a soft cloth, and if any dirt remains even after vigorous rubbing, it may be rust, indicating that the item is not made of brass. Another test is to use a magnet—since brass is non-magnetic, if a magnet sticks to the side of the candle holder, it is either not brass or is sparingly brass-plated.
You can also try scratching the bottom of the candle holder with a sharp object such as a safety pin in an inconspicuous area. Examine the colour inside the scratch: if you see white or silver, it is likely that the item is not solid brass or is brass-plated, whereas bright yellow indicates solid brass. Maker's marks, typically found underneath the candle holder, can also be helpful in identifying the manufacturer or craftsman and estimating the piece's value. Additionally, look out for any hallmarks, which can indicate the presence of silver or other metals such as bronze, brass, or tin.
The design and style of the candle holder can also provide clues about its authenticity and age. For example, a pair of English George III brass candlesticks from the late 18th to early 19th centuries would feature tapered, baluster-shaped stems with drip flanges sitting on square bases. On the other hand, a pair of George II brass candlesticks from around 1750 would have hollow-stemmed columns with top drop flanges and push rod ejectors, threaded to a petal base with scalloped decoration.
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Frequently asked questions
Antique candle holders are usually made of metal and feature a bubbling or vortex design. Silver was the primary material used in the distant past, but by the 20th century, brass was more commonly used. Antique candle holders can also be identified by their maker's marks, which can usually be found underneath the candlestick.
One way to identify genuine antique brass is to wipe the surface with a soft cloth. If the dirt does not come off, it is likely rust, indicating that the candle holder is not made of brass. You can also try sticking a magnet to the side of the candle holder—if the magnet sticks, it is not made of brass or is only skimpily brass-plated.
Brass candle holders come in a variety of designs. Some common features include a ridged ball knop, a trumpet-shaped foot, and a drip pan. They may also have a hollow stem, a square base, and a bobèche.
