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Old solder is visible around portions of the candle socket construction, particularly on one example. Some of this may relate to original assembly and some may represent old period repair or reinforcement. Minor distortions and irregularities are present from age and use. No maker's mark has been positively identified.
The surfaces have intentionally not been polished or restored. Please examine all photographs closely for the exact condition.
Description
Exceptional matched pair of authentic early 19th-century chamberstick candle holders, circa 1800–1830, retaining a deeply aged untouched surface and substantial evidence of long historical use.
The pair is constructed from a copper-rich brass alloy, producing the unusually warm reddish-brown coloration visible beneath the darker oxidation. Areas of natural green verdigris are also present, particularly around joints and recessed areas.
Their unusually coppery appearance is consistent with brass containing a relatively high proportion of copper compared with the brighter yellow brass commonly seen on later decorative pieces.
Each chamberstick features a broad circular dished wax pan, raised central candle socket, wide drip collar or bobeche, and a simple curled carrying handle.
The construction is particularly noteworthy. These are assembled from multiple individually formed components rather than being modern one-piece decorative castings. The pans, candle sockets, collars and handles were separately formed and joined, with visible mechanical and soldered construction characteristic of early metalworking practices.
The undersides show substantial authentic wear, oxidation and construction details consistent with prolonged use.
Features
• Matched pair of two antique chambersticks
• Early 19th century, circa 1800–1830
• Copper-rich brass alloy construction
• Strong reddish copper coloration beneath aged surface
• Deep dark brown natural patina
• Areas of authentic green verdigris
• Broad circular wax-catching pans
• Raised candle sockets with wide drip collars
• Handled chamberstick form for carrying from room to room
• Multi-piece historic construction
• Extensive age and use wear
• Unpolished and unrestored appearance
• Approximately 5–5½ inches diameter each based on photographed measurement
• No positively identified maker's mark
These chambersticks retain exactly the kind of surface many collectors of early brass and copper metalware prefer: dark, uneven, heavily oxidized and showing approximately two centuries of handling and use.
They have not been aggressively cleaned, and I strongly recommend leaving the existing surface intact. Polishing would permanently alter the appearance and remove much of the historic patina that gives the pair its character.
Comparable museum examples of brass chambersticks are documented from approximately 1780–1830 and 1790–1830, supporting this form as characteristic of the late Georgian / early 19th-century period.
A surviving archaeological/reference example from Quebec dating 1800–1820 was likewise made from sheet brass with a cast handle and riveted construction, demonstrating the use of this type of formed-and-assembled brass construction in precisely the early 19th-century period.
A very atmospheric pair for collectors of early lighting, Georgian-era household objects, historic brassware, primitive antiques and early metalwork.
The pair will be professionally packed with each chamberstick individually protected.
Shipping will be fully insured for the purchase price. Signature confirmation will be required upon delivery.
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