William IV Brass Patent Candlestick by Palmer & Co, London
£395.00
Description
An exceptional and highly collectible William IV brass candlestick, manufactured by the renowned Palmer & Co of London. This rare survivor features a heavy, telescoping cylindrical stem rising from a magnificently cast hexagonal base.
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William IV Brass Patent Candlestick by Palmer & Co, London
An exceptional and highly collectible William IV brass candlestick, manufactured by the renowned Palmer & Co of London. This rare survivor features a heavy, telescoping cylindrical stem rising from a magnificently cast hexagonal base.
The base is a triumph of Regency-into-William IV design, heavily embellished with scrolled foliate motifs, shell-like forms, and raised circular bosses. The capital is equally ornate, featuring a pierced gallery with gothic-inspired tracery that served a functional purpose in the patent's airflow design. The brass retains a deep, honest patina with a rich bronze-like tone, showcasing the high copper content typical of premium 19th-century English brassware.
Founded in the early 19th century, Palmer & Co were the pioneers of the "Magnum" and "Candle Lamp" patents. Their innovative spring-loaded mechanisms allowed candles to be pushed upward as they burned, maintaining a constant flame height—a revolutionary concept before widespread gas lighting. This specific model, bearing the prestigious "Palmer & Co London" stamp on the nozzle, dates to the William IV period (c. 1830–1837), a transitional era known for its bold, heavy, and increasingly naturalistic ornamentation.
Dealers Comments
"Finding a Palmer & Co piece with this level of casting crispness is a delight for any serious collector of English metalwork. Most 'utility' brass of this age has been polished until the details are soft, but here, the scrolled foliage on the hexagonal base remains incredibly sharp. It is a 'rare' piece not just because of the maker's mark, but because of its architectural scale. It carries a gravitas that standard candlesticks simply lack—it’s a true piece of London’s industrial and social history."
Condition Report
Clearly stamped on the upper nozzle with the maker’s mark: "Palmer & Co London".
The brass is in excellent antique condition with a rich, undisturbed patina. There are minor traces of historical oxidation in the deep recesses of the casting, which only serves to highlight the decorative detail.
The candlestick is heavy and sits perfectly level on its broad hexagonal base. The telescoping mechanism is intact, though it is sold as a decorative historical object.
Complete with spring
Measurement
Height:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 43 cm /Â Â Â 16.9 inch
Width:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 14 cm /Â Â Â 5.5 inch
Depth:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 14 cm /Â Â Â 5.5 inch
Weight:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1.6 k.g. /Â Â Â 3.5 lbs
Max Height:Â Â Â 62 cm
Cleaning, Polishing & Restoration
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods
