£550.00
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of monumental English candle lamps, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, combining tall painted wooden columns with lead-weighted bases, metal candle cups and elaborate silver-plated pierced metal shades.
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of monumental English candle lamps, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, combining tall painted wooden columns with lead-weighted bases, metal candle cups and elaborate silver-plated pierced metal shades.
Standing an impressive 84 cm / 33.1 inches high, the pair have the proportions and presence of small standard lamps while retaining the elegant form of oversized candlesticks. Their unusually tall scale makes them particularly effective positioned on a large console, sideboard, library table or either side of a fireplace.
The turned wooden stems are finished in a soft ivory-cream painted surface, contrasting beautifully with the darker metal bases and candle dishes. Above sit tall faux candle sleeves and finely worked silver-coloured shades composed of scrolling openwork foliage.
The lamps retain period metal fittings bearing patent and registration markings. The fittings appear related to the British lamp-making industry of the late Victorian and Edwardian period; however, no sufficiently clear manufacturer's mark is present to confidently attribute the complete pair to a particular maker.
Each lamp is built around an exceptionally tall turned wooden column, giving the pair their distinctive architectural character.
The slender stems are punctuated by restrained turned mouldings towards the lower section before widening into rounded feet. The painted ivory finish softens their considerable scale and provides an elegant contrast with the darker metalwork.
The bases are lead weighted, giving the unusually tall lamps additional stability.
At the top of each column sits a shallow dished metal candle cup supporting the tall candle-form upper section.
The upper sections have been designed to resemble exceptionally tall candles, continuing the traditional candlestick form despite the monumental scale of the lamps.
Cream-coloured candle sleeves rise from the metal drip pans, with aged copper-coloured collars visible at their bases.
The combination of painted timber, aged metal and candle-form detailing gives the pair a particularly convincing country-house character.
The most striking feature of the pair is their elaborate pierced metal shades.
Each conical shade is densely decorated with scrolling foliate ornament arranged in repeating openwork panels. Sweeping leaves, C-scrolls and smaller floral details create an intricate lace-like structure.
The silver-coloured finish contrasts dramatically with the warm ivory columns beneath, while the openwork construction was designed to allow light to escape through the decoration.
The metal displays the mellowing, rubbing and tonal variation expected from age, giving the shades considerably more character than a newly polished surface.
The lamps retain period British patent fittings, including stamped registration/patent markings visible to the upper metalwork.
The construction incorporates a gallery-style frame, small lever mechanism and pull-chain detail. These elements are derived from the sophisticated lamp hardware developed by Britain's extensive late-19th-century lighting industry.
The duplex oil burner was an important British lighting development of this period. Joseph and James Hinks of Birmingham developed their Patent Duplex Lamp during the 1860s, while other Birmingham manufacturers including Wright & Butler and Messenger & Co. subsequently produced their own duplex burner systems.
The visible fittings on the present pair should not, however, be attributed to Hinks, Messenger or another manufacturer without a sufficiently legible maker's mark. The complete lamps are therefore catalogued as English, maker unknown.
The combination of turned wooden construction, weighted bases and British patent lamp hardware points to an English origin.
The design belongs to the transition between traditional candle and oil lighting and the increasingly sophisticated decorative lamps produced around the turn of the 20th century.
British duplex burners were widely manufactured during this period, with the characteristic system employing two flat wicks and specialised operating mechanisms.
The pair are therefore attributed to England, circa 1890–1910, with the specific manufacturer presently unidentified.
The lamps combine a particularly interesting range of traditional lighting materials:
Turned wood — forming the principal tall columns and bases
Painted finish — warm ivory/cream decoration to the wooden bodies
Lead — weighting within the bases for stability
Silver-plated / nickel-plated metal — decorative shades and upper lamp fittings
Steel / mixed metal — structural and mechanical components
Copper-coloured metal — collars beneath the candle sleeves
Composition candle sleeves — forming the tall candle-like upper sections
Presented in good antique condition with wear and patination consistent with their age and original use.
The painted wooden columns display subtle rubbing, surface marks and tonal variation. The metalwork has developed areas of oxidation, tarnishing, rubbing and age-related discolouration.
The intricate pierced shades display the slight irregularities and surface wear expected of delicate antique metalwork.
The lamps retain their period character rather than having been refinished to appear new.
Please refer closely to the detailed photographs, which form an integral part of the condition report.
At 84 cm high, these are considerably more imposing than conventional table candlesticks and have exceptional decorative presence.
Their tall architectural silhouettes would work particularly well in a country-house entrance hall, drawing room, library or dining room, particularly positioned symmetrically on a substantial console or sideboard.
The combination of softly painted ivory wood and elaborate silver-coloured metalwork also gives them a distinctive appearance that bridges traditional country-house interiors and the more theatrical decorative lighting of the early 20th century.
Offered as a pair.
Height: 84 cm / 33.1 inches
Width: 19 cm / 7.5 inches
Depth: 19 cm / 7.5 inches
Weight: 1.4 kg / 3.1 lbs each
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
