Untouched 16th Century French Renaissance Bronze Socket Candlestick Circa 1575
Item History & Price
Untouched16th century French Renaissance bronze massive acorn-knopped socket candlestick, circa 1575We purchase collections of Continental lighting, metalwork, ceramics, glass & textiles, enabling me to offer a quantity of rareantiques. Please register mystore/page in your favorites, for a fine range of 14th to 19th century periodmetalwork, lighting & other pieces, all guaranteed, as to age, condition& origin; I have far more than I can possibly keep upwith, as to eBay!&nbs...p;Text, formatting & 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 are reported to our attorneys in Paris &Leeds. Please readmy terms of sale carefully!Elly BurdettThis is in France.Pieces in the group photo are for comparison.You are only buying the featured candlestick - none of the lamps are for sale.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 a part-time antiques dealer, & sometimes exhibit at UK antiques shows.My associate in France is an expat American historian of European Decorative Arts & museum curator, with 45 years of advanced experience. Sincerely, ET Burdett
Dear friends & clients: We have more Fine Arts & Antiques than we can begin to keep up with, as to eBay – at least 4, 000 period pieces. Group photos will give you a slight idea of the depth of my collections, and Elly's inventory - more than 650 new acquisitions - keep watching this page. R. Josef My reference library on earlyContinental metalwork & lighting is about as good as it gets – there areperhaps half a dozen books I’m still searching for, but by and large it’s verycomprehensive. Even so, I don’t know of a single volume in any language thathas even begun to correctly tackle the very complex history of mid-drip socketcandlesticks, secular pricket candlesticks, or the even more complicatedsubject of socket candleticks prior to about 1625. Elly has sold far in excessof 1, 000 early candlesticks; I’ve handled manymore, and currently have 200 or so lurking about my house. This was just acquired from a dealer in CentralFrance, but I’ve handled two others with virtually identical feet, both comingfrom south of Paris to Western Coastal France. However, the onlydefinitive way to get to the bottom of origins is by sampling a very large number of early Continentalpieces using XRF technology (which is something I’ve been doing for 9 years).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. I have at least another100 reference books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, (and English)that address both base-metal objects of domestic life and lighting at length –and literally all contain errors – the most reliable are in French orGerman.This is one of the earlier, finest, and extremely rare French socketcandlesticks I’ve been able to buy for Elly for resale – it is flawless, andthe foot has very close affinities with French Henri II period whale oillamps (circa 1560). The feet of HenriII lamps are a particuarly useful benchmark, as to dating – they areexceedingly rare, and documented, as to specific period (I own several). As to the “pronouncedknop”, this could well be earlier than any in The Lear Collection. The only condition comment is that as can be seen in the “before” photo (# 4), the underside of the foot was lightly oxidized with lime, and the center had abit of verdigris. I gave the whole ‘stick a bath with 2 kettles of boilingwater, followed by a few drops of linseed oil to the center of the peening, tomake sure that there was no incipient bronze disease (there isn’t – and it hasnever been soldered). In cleaning the wax from the socket interior, I discoveredsomething highly unusual – this has a very small and sharp original pricket point atthe very bottom (2” down) of the socket.This is absolutely untouched – the foot sits very flat, there are no repairs whatsoever, and the color, surfaces and patination of the shaft and foot are a flawlessmatch. Casting pins are prominently visible on either side of the massive acornknop, and the foot is lathed in typical French fashion. Among other defects with virtually every early lightingor metalwork book in print is the total lack of techinal photographs, plus highly limited and erroneous discussions of construction aspects. Noclose-ups or other photos from under the feet are included, and with the singleexception of Old Domestic base-MetalCandlesticks by Ronald Michaelis(Pub. 1978), there are no commentaries oncasting pins, or other important variations on casting techniques.If you don’t already have Michaelis, Ihighly recommend it, and over any others in the English language. Many pre-1710 baluster candlesticks have visiblecasting pins on either side of the medial knop – but they can be present undersilvering, or when gilded; “sweated” – brazed over – or not present to beginwith, if the shaft was turned from a solid mass. What is even less known isthat casting pins can be present in weird places – I own a fabulous, late 16thcentury North Italian or South German candlestick with a huge bobeche: the ironcasting pin is still present – in thebase of the socket – you can touch it with your little finger! I suspectthat an X-ray might be of use, as to casting pins that have been plated orbrazed over, but I’m not close enough to the local hospital to make this aviable option (and I don’t know how the technicians would react to such arequest!).We are independently listed with the NewEngland Appraisers Association, for France or England.Condition:untouched! – as-seen, and as described above. Itotherwise has even less than the normal wear and very minor dings that can beexpected on very early metalwork. Photos are high resolution – usemagnification for viewing details. Please ask, if you wishadditional photos.© R. JosefBurdett-Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Maximum Height – 6” (15.2 cm.): foot diameter – 4 & 1/4" (10.8 cm.). Weight – 450 grams, notincluding packaging.Insuredmailing within France is 12 Euros; to the UK & EU is 17Euros – to North America is30 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-free returns” policy does not apply to arbitrary whim, orunqualified opinion! Returns are accepted - if: there is a major problem withthe age, condition or origin of a piece as described; andthis is confirmed by a qualified expert with professional credentials. Photographs of any alleged damage are required - theyare mandatory for insurance claims.What you pay for shipping is our actual cost – international shipping is stupidly expensive - we have absolutely no control overrates – I lose 6% to PayPal, and often absorb extracosts, such as double-boxing.International buyers – please inquire, as to mailing costs! FromFrance, rates to the Russian Federation are the same as the US.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 obliged to accept PayPal, but prefer banktransfers, or UK or French checks - PayPal takes a 6% bite out of alltransactions - 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. ETBurdettDear buyers – apologies for the intrusive copyrightlines, but they are there because R. Josef is an extensively published expertwith ongoing academic & commercial commissions, including forthcomingbooks. Listings often contain original research & information that has notappeared before; several British & Continental eBay sellers have beenreported for plagiarizing formatting & texts. Wefiercely protect our Intellectual Property rights – and in court, whennecessary.
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Dear friends & clients: We have more Fine Arts & Antiques than we can begin to keep up with, as to eBay – at least 4, 000 period pieces. Group photos will give you a slight idea of the depth of my collections, and Elly's inventory - more than 650 new acquisitions - keep watching this page. R. Josef My reference library on earlyContinental metalwork & lighting is about as good as it gets – there areperhaps half a dozen books I’m still searching for, but by and large it’s verycomprehensive. Even so, I don’t know of a single volume in any language thathas even begun to correctly tackle the very complex history of mid-drip socketcandlesticks, secular pricket candlesticks, or the even more complicatedsubject of socket candleticks prior to about 1625. Elly has sold far in excessof 1, 000 early candlesticks; I’ve handled manymore, and currently have 200 or so lurking about my house. This was just acquired from a dealer in CentralFrance, but I’ve handled two others with virtually identical feet, both comingfrom south of Paris to Western Coastal France. However, the onlydefinitive way to get to the bottom of origins is by sampling a very large number of early Continentalpieces using XRF technology (which is something I’ve been doing for 9 years).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. I have at least another100 reference books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, (and English)that address both base-metal objects of domestic life and lighting at length –and literally all contain errors – the most reliable are in French orGerman.This is one of the earlier, finest, and extremely rare French socketcandlesticks I’ve been able to buy for Elly for resale – it is flawless, andthe foot has very close affinities with French Henri II period whale oillamps (circa 1560). The feet of HenriII lamps are a particuarly useful benchmark, as to dating – they areexceedingly rare, and documented, as to specific period (I own several). As to the “pronouncedknop”, this could well be earlier than any in The Lear Collection. The only condition comment is that as can be seen in the “before” photo (# 4), the underside of the foot was lightly oxidized with lime, and the center had abit of verdigris. I gave the whole ‘stick a bath with 2 kettles of boilingwater, followed by a few drops of linseed oil to the center of the peening, tomake sure that there was no incipient bronze disease (there isn’t – and it hasnever been soldered). In cleaning the wax from the socket interior, I discoveredsomething highly unusual – this has a very small and sharp original pricket point atthe very bottom (2” down) of the socket.This is absolutely untouched – the foot sits very flat, there are no repairs whatsoever, and the color, surfaces and patination of the shaft and foot are a flawlessmatch. Casting pins are prominently visible on either side of the massive acornknop, and the foot is lathed in typical French fashion. Among other defects with virtually every early lightingor metalwork book in print is the total lack of techinal photographs, plus highly limited and erroneous discussions of construction aspects. Noclose-ups or other photos from under the feet are included, and with the singleexception of Old Domestic base-MetalCandlesticks by Ronald Michaelis(Pub. 1978), there are no commentaries oncasting pins, or other important variations on casting techniques.If you don’t already have Michaelis, Ihighly recommend it, and over any others in the English language. Many pre-1710 baluster candlesticks have visiblecasting pins on either side of the medial knop – but they can be present undersilvering, or when gilded; “sweated” – brazed over – or not present to beginwith, if the shaft was turned from a solid mass. What is even less known isthat casting pins can be present in weird places – I own a fabulous, late 16thcentury North Italian or South German candlestick with a huge bobeche: the ironcasting pin is still present – in thebase of the socket – you can touch it with your little finger! I suspectthat an X-ray might be of use, as to casting pins that have been plated orbrazed over, but I’m not close enough to the local hospital to make this aviable option (and I don’t know how the technicians would react to such arequest!).We are independently listed with the NewEngland Appraisers Association, for France or England.Condition:untouched! – as-seen, and as described above. Itotherwise has even less than the normal wear and very minor dings that can beexpected on very early metalwork. Photos are high resolution – usemagnification for viewing details. Please ask, if you wishadditional photos.© R. JosefBurdett-Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Maximum Height – 6” (15.2 cm.): foot diameter – 4 & 1/4" (10.8 cm.). Weight – 450 grams, notincluding packaging.Insuredmailing within France is 12 Euros; to the UK & EU is 17Euros – to North America is30 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-free returns” policy does not apply to arbitrary whim, orunqualified opinion! Returns are accepted - if: there is a major problem withthe age, condition or origin of a piece as described; andthis is confirmed by a qualified expert with professional credentials. Photographs of any alleged damage are required - theyare mandatory for insurance claims.What you pay for shipping is our actual cost – international shipping is stupidly expensive - we have absolutely no control overrates – I lose 6% to PayPal, and often absorb extracosts, such as double-boxing.International buyers – please inquire, as to mailing costs! FromFrance, rates to the Russian Federation are the same as the US.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 obliged to accept PayPal, but prefer banktransfers, or UK or French checks - PayPal takes a 6% bite out of alltransactions - 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. ETBurdettDear buyers – apologies for the intrusive copyrightlines, but they are there because R. Josef is an extensively published expertwith ongoing academic & commercial commissions, including forthcomingbooks. Listings often contain original research & information that has notappeared before; several British & Continental eBay sellers have beenreported for plagiarizing formatting & texts. Wefiercely protect our Intellectual Property rights – and in court, whennecessary.
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