Antique ca. 16th Century Brass Capstan Candlestick North West EuropeA
Description: A beautiful antique brass capstan candlestick having a wide round base topped by a flat disk or catch tray having a domed center. There is a cylindrical shaft rising from the domed center of the tray and ending in a deep cup or socket where the candle would fit. The socket has two rectangular openings one on either side near the bottom of the socket. The candle holder cup or socket has a shaped rim and a bulging portion in the bottom below the rectangular openings. This candle shape was very common in the 1500s and 1600s in North West Europe (most likely the Netherlands). See example No. 45 in Christopher Bangs "The Lear Collection-A Study of Copper-Alloy Socket Candlesticks A.D. 200-1700" by King's Hill Publications of Easton, PA, 1995, for a similar example. The candlestick holder is in fair condition after being around for about 450 years. A beautiful brass capstan basic form candlestick to add to your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Unknown but we believe it is from the mid to late 1500s (mid to late 16th century)
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We believe the candlestick is continental in origin, possibly Dutch.
Size: The piece measures ~4 3/4" high with the base measuring ~4 1/4" in diameter. The opening where the candle would fit is ~13/16" in diameter on the inside and is ~1 1/2" deep. The candlestick weighs about one pound.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A nice old basic form capstan candlestick holder in fairly good condition with a great look. A great piece to add to your collection of antique Brass Socket candlesticks.
Condition: The candlestick holder is in good used condition. It has been recently polished and as such it looks great to display. It has a break with loss at the edge of the base with a tight crack rising along the base for about 3/4" (see the next to last photo). It also has a spot on the catch tray at the base of the dome with a surface loss and is not filled with brass cleaner (see the last photo). It also has small loss to the top of the candle holding socket (see the fifth photo). Other than that, it has some minor dings along the edges and throughout with scratches. The body of the candlestick shows scratches and what appears to be casting roughness here and there but these are minor and do not distract from the quality or beauty of the piece. The piece is all original with no repairs or modifications. It is an old capstan candlestick in good used condition, which would display nicely in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
