Rare 17th Century French Bronze Acorn Knopped Socket Candlestick Circa 1650
Item History & Price
Rare 17thcentury French bronze acorn knopped socket candlestick, circa 1650We purchase collections of Continental lighting, metalwork, ceramics, glass, textiles and Fine Art, enabling me to offer a quantity of rareantiques. Please register my store/page in your favorites, for a fine range of 14th to 19th century period metalwork, lighting& other pieces, all guaranteed, as to age, condition & origin. Ihave far more than I can possibly keep up with, as to eBay. Text, formatt...ing & images © 2019 – R. JosefBurdett-Williamson – all rights reserved.Breveté, 2019, par M. R. Josef Burdett-Williamson. ATTENTION – défense de reproduction !We are very serious, as to Intellectual Property & Author rights – violations arereported to our Intellectual Properties attorneys in Paris & Leeds. Please readmy terms of sale carefully!Elly BurdettThis is in France.Other pieces are solely for scale.You are only bidding onthe featured candlestick.Free collection by appt. is possible:my collections & some of Elly’s many new arrivals can be viewed. Please note:For those not familiar with my eBay store, you are dealing with 2 different people in England & France. I’m apart-time antiques dealer, & sometimes exhibit at UK antiques shows. I don't know what's up with eBay, butit’s not good - I have many fine period antiques, often listed at what we know to be Frenchwholesale prices. If sales don't improve, I will close this account - myinventory has massively increased, and I need results.My associate in France is an expatAmerican historian of European Decorative Arts & museum curator, with 45years of advanced experience. Sincerely, ET Burdett Dear friends & clients: Elly has more Fine Arts & Antiques than we canbegin to keep up with, as to eBay – at least 4, 000 period pieces. Group photoswill give you a slight idea of the depth of my collections, andElly's inventory - 600 new acquisitions - keep watching this page. R. Josef
A commercial comment: I've involved with early lighting, metalwork & glass for 45 years, and keep current with the French & other Continental markets - the average price for a French candlestick of this period and rarity is often over 200 Euros, as-is. If it doesn't sell, it will be re-listed at a higher price, "Buy It Now", or sent to the leading UK auction house. PayPal UK fees (approaching 10% for non-UK sales) are making it difficult to survive on eBay UK. R. Josef
Imaginethe international chaos that would be generated if stock markets were cut off fromsocial or political developments: the entire world is information-driven - and why the Antiques trade continues to quote, or rely on totally out-dated anderroneous books is beyond comprehension. I have more than 100 reference books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Swedish (and many more in English) that address both base-metal objectsof domestic life and lighting at length – literally all contain errors.The most reliable published references are in French or German; Anglo-American booksare the worst.The Lear Collection: A study ofcopper-alloy socket candlestsicks (1995), by Christopher Bangshas a chapter on Bangs referred to as “Candlesticks with Pronounced Knops”, pages 147 to 150, and 328 to 337. Given the superficial nature of The Lear Collection, and virtually allother books based on what I consider to be “trophy” collections, I find it ofvery limited use.Massive ball or acorn baluster knopscharacterize French candlesticks of the 1600 to 1660 period (they can be earlier); some were in The Lear Collection – albeit that the selection was minimal, and does notbegin to do justice to the remarkable range of these handsome candlesticks inFrance. No pairs were in the collection – a few months ago, US buyersmissed out an amazing pair Elly listed that sold on a single bid to an astutecollector in Norway. I have recently acquired quite a few early candlesticksand other metalwork – Elly will have more from the mid-17th century(and earlier) for sale.The cut-cornered foot with no well for excess wax is more aligned with the early to mid-17th century - but large deepsockets and massive acorn or ball knops are early features. Condition is less thanperfect: there is a fissure in the foot (see photos # 7 & 9), and the shafthas probably been very lightly soldered under the foot. Micro-laser welding isthe best solution for restoring fissures, but conventional brazing is OK also, as long as a pin-point flame is used. Neveruse conventional brazing on thin-walled brass – the spread heat will literallymelt the surrounding area. What looks like a round plugged hole in the foot rimis a filled casting defect, dating from the time of fabrication. As with manyother important technical details, RonaldMichaelis was the only author to even mention casting defects, and I haveno idea as to why – they are incredibly common – and he also (albeit toobriefly) discussed other anomalies in early metalwork production. In thecontext of Number 129 of the Lear Collection, Bangs makean erroneous comment as to ejector holes, presumably based on lack ofexperience with Continental lighting – ejector holes remained commonplace inboth copper alloy and iron lighting until at least 1730.Casting pins are prominently visible oneither side of the massive acorn knop: among other defects with virtually every early lighting or metalwork book inprint is the total lack of technical photographs, plus highly limitedand erroneous discussions of construction aspects. No close-ups or other photosfrom under the feet are included, and with the single exception of Old Domestic base-Metal Candlesticks by Ronald Michaelis (Pub. 1978), there are no commentaries on casting pins, orother important variations on casting techniques.Many pre-1710 baluster candlesticks havevisible casting pins on either side of the medial knop – but they can bepresent under silvering, or when gilded; “sweated” – brazed over – or notpresent to begin with, if the shaft was turned from a solid mass. If you don’t already have Michaelis, I highlyrecommend it, and over any others in the English language –and do note that it is very much under copyright – reproducing scansfrom it on eBay is asking for a lawsuit.We are independently listed with theNew England AppraisersAssociation, for France orthe UK.Condition:As-seen & described, withotherwise less than the normal amount of wear one expects on mid-17thcentury metalwork. Note: Photos are high resolution – usemagnification for viewing details. Please ask, if you wish more.© R. Josef Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Height –6 & 1/4” (15.8 cm.): foot width– 4” (10.2 cm.). Weight – 490grams, not including packaging.Insuredshipping within France is 11 Euros; to the UK & EU is 18 Euros – to NorthAmerica is 30 Euros.We don't charge for packing & handling, & always offer grouped rate posting, with no time limits.We ship from both France & the UK– please read listings carefully – rates& conditions are substantially different.Important!We usually mail within 3 to 7 working days from clearance of payment: but request that buyers beunderstanding of delays due to illness, severe weather, or computer problems: this is strictly a small business, with no employees! Intolerantbuyers, or those leaving less than 5-star feedback (no longer invisible) willbe black-listed.This is not a"decorator" shop - eBay’s Consumer Goods-generated “Hassle-freereturns” policy does not apply to arbitrary whim, or unqualifiedopinion! Returns areaccepted - if: there is amajor problem with the age, condition or origin of a piece as described;and this is confirmed by aqualified expert with professionalcredentials. Photographs of any alleged damage are required- they are mandatory for insurance claims.What you pay for shippingis actual cost – international shipping is stupidlyexpensive - we have absolutely no control over rates – I lose 6%+to PayPal UK, andoften absorb extra costs, such as double-boxing.International buyers – please inquire, as to mailing costs!Note: Our independent certifications with theNew EnglandAppraisers Association (in both France & England) expedite Customsclearances, and prevent EXCESS duties from being incorrectly imposed onantiques conforming to the 100 years legal dateline, thus saving buyers 10% to 43% inrelevant countries.Payments:PayPal, French or UK checks, or bank drafts, & all banktransfers accepted. I am obligedto accept PayPal, but prefer bank transfers, or UK or French checks – PayPal UKtakes a 6%+bite out of all transactions - including shipping costs.My Frenchbusiness associate is an expatriate American historian of Decorative Arts, apublished antiques editor & writer, curator, certified appraiser, &internationally respected authority in early glass, lighting, metalwork, sculpture, period furniture & other categories. He has placed pieces withFrench & US museums, including the Smithsonian, & assists me withacquisitions, research & texts. You can buy from me, with confidence inyour purchases. We are separate and private, academic collectors, looking todefray the costs of advancing with our own collections. R. Josef is the only European Decorative Arts specialist for the New England Appraisers Association residing in the European Union, and isavailable for expertise or arbitration. We are independently listed with the New England Appraisers Association, for France or the UK. ETBurdettDearbuyers –apologies for the intrusive copyright lines, but they are there because R.Josef is an extensively published expert with ongoing academic & commercialcommissions, including forthcoming books. Listings often contain originalresearch & information that has not appeared before; several British &Continental eBay sellers have been reported for plagiarizing formatting &texts. We fiercely protect our Intellectual Propertyrights – and in court, when necessary.
00103
A commercial comment: I've involved with early lighting, metalwork & glass for 45 years, and keep current with the French & other Continental markets - the average price for a French candlestick of this period and rarity is often over 200 Euros, as-is. If it doesn't sell, it will be re-listed at a higher price, "Buy It Now", or sent to the leading UK auction house. PayPal UK fees (approaching 10% for non-UK sales) are making it difficult to survive on eBay UK. R. Josef
Imaginethe international chaos that would be generated if stock markets were cut off fromsocial or political developments: the entire world is information-driven - and why the Antiques trade continues to quote, or rely on totally out-dated anderroneous books is beyond comprehension. I have more than 100 reference books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Swedish (and many more in English) that address both base-metal objectsof domestic life and lighting at length – literally all contain errors.The most reliable published references are in French or German; Anglo-American booksare the worst.The Lear Collection: A study ofcopper-alloy socket candlestsicks (1995), by Christopher Bangshas a chapter on Bangs referred to as “Candlesticks with Pronounced Knops”, pages 147 to 150, and 328 to 337. Given the superficial nature of The Lear Collection, and virtually allother books based on what I consider to be “trophy” collections, I find it ofvery limited use.Massive ball or acorn baluster knopscharacterize French candlesticks of the 1600 to 1660 period (they can be earlier); some were in The Lear Collection – albeit that the selection was minimal, and does notbegin to do justice to the remarkable range of these handsome candlesticks inFrance. No pairs were in the collection – a few months ago, US buyersmissed out an amazing pair Elly listed that sold on a single bid to an astutecollector in Norway. I have recently acquired quite a few early candlesticksand other metalwork – Elly will have more from the mid-17th century(and earlier) for sale.The cut-cornered foot with no well for excess wax is more aligned with the early to mid-17th century - but large deepsockets and massive acorn or ball knops are early features. Condition is less thanperfect: there is a fissure in the foot (see photos # 7 & 9), and the shafthas probably been very lightly soldered under the foot. Micro-laser welding isthe best solution for restoring fissures, but conventional brazing is OK also, as long as a pin-point flame is used. Neveruse conventional brazing on thin-walled brass – the spread heat will literallymelt the surrounding area. What looks like a round plugged hole in the foot rimis a filled casting defect, dating from the time of fabrication. As with manyother important technical details, RonaldMichaelis was the only author to even mention casting defects, and I haveno idea as to why – they are incredibly common – and he also (albeit toobriefly) discussed other anomalies in early metalwork production. In thecontext of Number 129 of the Lear Collection, Bangs makean erroneous comment as to ejector holes, presumably based on lack ofexperience with Continental lighting – ejector holes remained commonplace inboth copper alloy and iron lighting until at least 1730.Casting pins are prominently visible oneither side of the massive acorn knop: among other defects with virtually every early lighting or metalwork book inprint is the total lack of technical photographs, plus highly limitedand erroneous discussions of construction aspects. No close-ups or other photosfrom under the feet are included, and with the single exception of Old Domestic base-Metal Candlesticks by Ronald Michaelis (Pub. 1978), there are no commentaries on casting pins, orother important variations on casting techniques.Many pre-1710 baluster candlesticks havevisible casting pins on either side of the medial knop – but they can bepresent under silvering, or when gilded; “sweated” – brazed over – or notpresent to begin with, if the shaft was turned from a solid mass. If you don’t already have Michaelis, I highlyrecommend it, and over any others in the English language –and do note that it is very much under copyright – reproducing scansfrom it on eBay is asking for a lawsuit.We are independently listed with theNew England AppraisersAssociation, for France orthe UK.Condition:As-seen & described, withotherwise less than the normal amount of wear one expects on mid-17thcentury metalwork. Note: Photos are high resolution – usemagnification for viewing details. Please ask, if you wish more.© R. Josef Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Height –6 & 1/4” (15.8 cm.): foot width– 4” (10.2 cm.). Weight – 490grams, not including packaging.Insuredshipping within France is 11 Euros; to the UK & EU is 18 Euros – to NorthAmerica is 30 Euros.We don't charge for packing & handling, & always offer grouped rate posting, with no time limits.We ship from both France & the UK– please read listings carefully – rates& conditions are substantially different.Important!We usually mail within 3 to 7 working days from clearance of payment: but request that buyers beunderstanding of delays due to illness, severe weather, or computer problems: this is strictly a small business, with no employees! Intolerantbuyers, or those leaving less than 5-star feedback (no longer invisible) willbe black-listed.This is not a"decorator" shop - eBay’s Consumer Goods-generated “Hassle-freereturns” policy does not apply to arbitrary whim, or unqualifiedopinion! Returns areaccepted - if: there is amajor problem with the age, condition or origin of a piece as described;and this is confirmed by aqualified expert with professionalcredentials. Photographs of any alleged damage are required- they are mandatory for insurance claims.What you pay for shippingis actual cost – international shipping is stupidlyexpensive - we have absolutely no control over rates – I lose 6%+to PayPal UK, andoften absorb extra costs, such as double-boxing.International buyers – please inquire, as to mailing costs!Note: Our independent certifications with theNew EnglandAppraisers Association (in both France & England) expedite Customsclearances, and prevent EXCESS duties from being incorrectly imposed onantiques conforming to the 100 years legal dateline, thus saving buyers 10% to 43% inrelevant countries.Payments:PayPal, French or UK checks, or bank drafts, & all banktransfers accepted. I am obligedto accept PayPal, but prefer bank transfers, or UK or French checks – PayPal UKtakes a 6%+bite out of all transactions - including shipping costs.My Frenchbusiness associate is an expatriate American historian of Decorative Arts, apublished antiques editor & writer, curator, certified appraiser, &internationally respected authority in early glass, lighting, metalwork, sculpture, period furniture & other categories. He has placed pieces withFrench & US museums, including the Smithsonian, & assists me withacquisitions, research & texts. You can buy from me, with confidence inyour purchases. We are separate and private, academic collectors, looking todefray the costs of advancing with our own collections. R. Josef is the only European Decorative Arts specialist for the New England Appraisers Association residing in the European Union, and isavailable for expertise or arbitration. We are independently listed with the New England Appraisers Association, for France or the UK. ETBurdettDearbuyers –apologies for the intrusive copyright lines, but they are there because R.Josef is an extensively published expert with ongoing academic & commercialcommissions, including forthcoming books. Listings often contain originalresearch & information that has not appeared before; several British &Continental eBay sellers have been reported for plagiarizing formatting &texts. We fiercely protect our Intellectual Propertyrights – and in court, when necessary.
00103
