Chloe Adams
Antique candle holders have been used since before the invention of electricity, with some dating as far back as the 18th century. They are valued for their decorative and utilitarian qualities, and their ability to light up any space. With so many reproductions and fakes on the market, it's important to know what to look for when identifying an antique candle holder. Factors such as material, design, construction techniques, and signs of age can help determine the authenticity and value of a piece. For example, antique brass candle holders often feature a yellow gold colour, push-up rods, and round bases, while silver candle holders are commonly decorated with intricate designs and embellishments. Consulting a specialist auction house or antique silver appraiser is recommended for a definitive assessment.
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What You'll Learn
Antique candle holders are often made of brass, silver, or glass.
Antique candle holders are often made of brass, silver, or glass, with each material having its own unique characteristics and value.
Brass
Brass candle holders date back to the 18th century, when brass was poured into moulds to create decorative and functional pieces. Antique brass candle holders can be identified by their yellow gold colour, with higher copper content resulting in a deeper golden hue. The presence of a seamed stem, indicating that the piece was crafted from two pieces soldered together, is also a telltale sign of an antique brass candle holder. Other distinguishing features include a smooth patina, a well-finished underside, and a round-shaped base, which was a result of the hand-cleaning process.
Silver
Silver candle holders, often made of sterling silver, are known for their intricate designs and embellishments. The value of antique silver candle holders is largely determined by the material used, with highly precious metals or hallmarks increasing their worth. Silver candle holders can come in various shapes and styles, including taper candle holders, which are typically made with 10-20% silver.
Glass
Antique glass candle holders are known for their sparkling beauty, with milk glass and cut glass being particularly valuable. Glass candle holders can range from inexpensive collectibles, such as the vintage fairy lamp, to more ornate and valuable pieces. Glass candle holders may also be identified by their shape and colour, with some featuring intricate details and designs.
When identifying antique candle holders, it is important to consider factors such as design elements, construction techniques, and signs of age or wear to distinguish genuine antiques from reproductions. Consulting specialist auction houses or antique silver appraisers can also help determine the authenticity and value of these pieces.
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The colour of the metal can indicate its age
The colour of brass candle holders can indicate their age. Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc, with trace amounts of other metals. The composition of brass varied over time due to technological advancements and the availability of materials.
Brass candle holders from before the 18th century tend to have a deep golden hue due to their high copper content (70% or more). From the 18th to 19th centuries, brass became slightly more yellow-toned and harder because of increased zinc content. From the 20th century onwards, industrial processes produced highly uniform brass with a more consistent colour and finish. Antique candle holders from this period will have a yellow gold colour.
The patina, or natural oxidation layer, that develops on brass can also indicate the age of a candle holder. An antique candle holder will have an uneven coloration, with darker tones in recesses and lighter areas on raised surfaces.
The colour of the metal can also indicate whether a candle holder has been converted into an electric light. Antique candle holders that have been converted will not have the same discoloured bottom as candle holders made in the 20th century.
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Design elements and features vary by historical period
Design elements and features of antique candle holders vary depending on the historical period. For example, brass candle holders from the pre-18th century had a high copper content, resulting in a deep golden hue. In the 18th and 19th centuries, brass candle holders had a higher zinc content, making them more yellow-toned and harder. From the 20th century onwards, industrial processes produced brass candle holders with a more consistent colour and finish.
The Art Nouveau movement favoured organic, flowing designs with floral and vine-like details, while the Art Deco movement preferred geometric, streamlined forms that emphasised symmetry and modernity.
Candle holders from the post-war period and the mid-century are commonly known as "fairy lamps". They are made of glass and are slightly egg-shaped. They are usually rainbow-coloured and can be found in antique stores and thrift shops.
Some of the oldest candle holder styles are chambersticks, which feature a round pan and a small circular ring that allows the candle to be carried. They are typically made of metal and feature a bubbling or vortex design along their vertical surface.
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Converted candle holders may be less valuable
Converted antique candle holders may not be as valuable as their unconverted counterparts. While some people are attracted to old candle holders that have been converted into electric lights, this does not necessarily increase their value. However, it is important to note that conversion does not immediately detract from their value either. You can still find a buyer for a converted antique candle holder, but the conversion may limit the pool of potential buyers.
When it comes to antique candle holders, the main determining factors for their value are the material and the design. Metal candle holders, for example, are generally more valuable than those made of glass or other materials. Antique brass candle holders, in particular, are highly valued for their utilitarian decorative functions and the craftsmanship they represent. The design elements, construction techniques, and signs of age can also play a significant role in determining the value of converted candle holders.
The history and rarity of an antique candle holder can also impact its value. Antique candle holders with intricate designs, embellishments, and classical motifs tend to be more valuable. Additionally, antique candle holders that are part of a matching pair or set may be worth more than individual pieces. The presence of hallmarks or maker's marks can also increase the value of a converted candle holder, as it helps to authenticate its age and origin.
It is worth noting that the market for antique candle holders is flooded with reproductions and fakes. As such, it is crucial to consult a specialist auction house or antique silver appraiser for a professional assessment of the candle holder's value. They will be able to examine the materials, construction techniques, design elements, and signs of age to determine the authenticity and value of the converted candle holder accurately.
Overall, while converted candle holders may be less valuable than their unconverted counterparts, they can still hold value for the right buyer. The main factors influencing their value are the material, design, rarity, and historical significance. By consulting experts and understanding the market, you can make informed decisions about the value and potential buyers for converted antique candle holders.
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Consult specialists for a professional assessment
Antique candle holders and candlesticks are highly sought-after items, with their utilitarian decorative design and historical significance. However, with so many reproductions and fakes on the market, consulting specialists for a professional assessment is a crucial step in accurately identifying and authenticating antique brass candlesticks. Reputable auction houses, such as Sotheby's and Bonhams, offer expert evaluations that can provide a definitive and reliable assessment of antique candle holders. These specialists employ a range of techniques to determine the authenticity and age of these items.
Firstly, they examine the materials used in the construction of the candlesticks. Brass, an alloy composed primarily of copper and zinc, has undergone changes in composition over time due to technological advancements. Pre-18th-century brass candlesticks, for example, had a high copper content, resulting in a deep golden hue. In contrast, increased zinc content in the 18th and 19th centuries gave brass a more yellow tone. Examining the colour and composition of the brass can provide insights into the possible age of the candlestick.
Secondly, construction techniques play a vital role in authentication. Antique brass candlesticks were often crafted by hand, resulting in subtle imperfections and visible casting seams. Understanding the historical production methods and craftsmanship of different periods helps specialists identify the techniques used and, consequently, the age of the piece. Additionally, the presence of push-up rods or side ejectors, which were common in the 18th and 19th centuries, can be indicative of an antique candlestick.
Design elements and stylistic traits also provide valuable clues. Each historical period introduced distinct features, such as heavy and practical designs with thick stems and broad bases, or ornate and elegant styles with slender stems and intricate details. Identifying these design elements helps specialists estimate the historical significance and origin of the candlestick.
Finally, signs of age and wear are important indicators. Specialists look for patina, the natural oxidation layer that develops on brass over time, resulting in uneven coloration. They also examine the finish and smoothness of the brass, particularly on the underside, as a well-finished base similar to the rest of the candle holder suggests an antique piece. Discolouration and roughness on the bottom are telltale signs of older candlesticks, as newer pieces from the 20th century often exhibit a more consistent colour and finish.
By consulting specialists, collectors can benefit from their expertise in material composition, construction techniques, design trends, and signs of wear. This ensures a more accurate assessment of the authenticity and historical value of antique candle holders and candlesticks.
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Frequently asked questions
Antique candles are often made of brass, silver, or glass. The material used is a crucial factor in determining the price of an antique candle. For example, silver candlesticks are often decorated with intricate designs and embellishments, whereas antique brass candlesticks are characterized by their yellow gold colour and ornate designs. Antique glass candles, such as the fairy lamp, are also quite common.
Genuine antique brass candlesticks have a few telltale signs. Firstly, examine the metal closely for discolouration, particularly on the bottom. Antique brass candlesticks will have a continuation of similar-coloured brass, whereas newer pieces will have discolouration on the bottom. Secondly, look at the shape of the base. Antique brass candlesticks often have round-shaped bases because the underside was cleaned by hand. Thirdly, examine the candle for push-up rods or side ejectors, which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries to keep the candle in place. Finally, check the stem of the candle for a seam, which is a vertical line running from top to bottom, indicating that the candlestick was made from two pieces soldered together.
Antique candles can be found in antique shops, markets, auction houses, online marketplaces, antique fairs and exhibitions, estate sales, and private collections. It is important to consult a specialist auction house or antique silver appraiser for a professional assessment of the candle's authenticity and value.
