Flawless 17th Century French Bronze Acorn Knopped Socket Candlestick Circa 1650
Item History & Price
Flawless 17thcentury French gilded bronze acorn knopped socket candlestick, circa 1650We 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! Text, format...ting & 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 IntellectualProperty & 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 scale.You are only bidding on the featuredcandlestick.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.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 FineArts & Antiques than we can begin to keep up with, as to eBay – at least4, 000 period pieces. Group photos will give you a slight ideaof the depth of my collections, and Elly's inventory - 650 new acquisitions, with more arriving almost daily - keep watching this page.EXTREME weather is gettingworse in Europe – my internet router has been replaced 8 times, due tolightning strikes – delays in communications or shipping are sometimes unavoidable, and I have not been able to begin to keep up with photography. R. Josef
Please note: Some of the photos are below our usual standards, due to 3 weeks of nearly non-stop rain or snow, and sub-freezing temperatures – the candlestick is guaranteed as described; 7 photos have been replaced.Imaginethe international chaos that would be generated if stock markets were cut offfrom social or political developments: the entire world isinformation-driven, and why the Antiques trade continues to quote or relyon totally out-dated and erroneous books is beyond comprehension. I have more than 100 reference books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Swedish (and of course English) thataddress both base-metal objects of domestic life and lighting at length –literally all contain errors. The most reliable references are publishedin French or German; Anglo-American books are the worst. I often get questions as to why people can’t find anyexamples of rare variations on French and other Continental candlesticks in any referencebooks: my basic response is lack of intellectual or aesthetic curiosity, or anunwillingness to spend more than a few weeks in Europe.The Lear Collection: A study ofcopper-alloy socket candlestsicks (1995), by Christopher Bangshas a very brief chapter on what 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 1620 to 1660 period; 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 a superb 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 a shallow well for excess wax is more aligned to the mid-17th century - but large deep sockets andmassive acorn or ball knops are early, and the sophistication of the turningsis highly unusual. Acorn knops have been around since at least the mid-16th century - I own a double acorn-knopped baluster stemmed Limoges enameled candlestick in my collection that is both signed & dated 1552. It was briefly listed for sale, but I ended it, after getting several mindless questions as to available references in English. The color under the feet of 19th century copies has nothing in common with period Limoges enamels; even so, the only ultimate test is XRF analysis, which I have been involved with for at least 9 years - it is accurate to less than .5%, and is necessary to prove the absence of trace elements that typify Samson & other copies.Condition on this outstanding candlestick is untouched: the underside of the foot has notbeen soldered - what you see in photo # 8 is all bronze, and there are substantial traces of originalgilding everywhere. Thefoot sits completely flat, and what looks like a small filled hole in the topof the foot (see photo # 10) is a casting defect, dating from the timeof fabrication. As with many other important technical details, Ronald Michaelis was the only author toeven mention casting defects, and I have no idea as to why – they areincredibly common – and he also (albeit too briefly) discussed other anomaliesin early metalwork production. In the context of Number 129 of the Lear Collection, Bangs make an erroneous comment as to ejector holes, presumably based on lackof extensive experience with Continental lighting – ejector holes remained commonplace inboth copper alloy and iron lighting until at least 1730.Casting pins are often visible on eitherside of acorn or ball knops, but not in this case: they might be covered overwith gilding. Among other omissionswith virtually every early lighting or metalwork book in print is the totallack of technical photographs, plus highly limited and erroneous discussions ofconstruction aspects. No close-ups or other photos from under the feet areincluded, and with the single exception of Old Domestic base-Metal Candlesticks by Ronald Michaelis (Pub. 1978), there are no commentaries on casting pins, or other important variationson 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 – using scans of any Copyrighted material less than 50 years old on eBay is asking for a lawsuit.We are independently listed with theNew England AppraisersAssociation, for France orthe UK.Condition:As-seen & described, with otherwiseless than the normal amount of wear one expects on mid-17th centurymetalwork. Note: Photos are high resolution – use magnificationfor 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 & 3/4” (17.2 cm.): foot width– 4 & 1/4” (10.7 cm.). Weight– 525 grams, 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! Intolerant ordifficult buyers, or those leaving less than 5-star feedback (no longerinvisible) will be black-listed. EXTREME weather isgetting worse in Europe – delays are often unavoidable.This is not a"decorator" shop - eBay’s Consumer Goods-generated “Hassle-freereturns” policy does not apply to arbitrary whim, or unqualified opinion.Returns are accepted - if: there is a major problem with the age, condition ororigin of a piece as described; and this 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 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 numerous categories. He has placedpieces with many French & US museums, including the Smithsonian; he assistsme with acquisitions, research & texts. You can buy with confidence in yourpurchases: we are separate and private, academic collectors, looking to advanceour own collections. R. Josef is the only European Decorative Arts specialist for the New England Appraisers Association residing in the European Union. We areindependently listed with the New England Appraisers Association, for France or the UK. ETBurdettDearbuyers –apologies for the copyright lines, but R. Josef is an extensively publishedexpert with ongoing academic & commercial commissions, including 2 moreforthcoming books. Listings often contain original research & informationthat has not appeared before; several eBay sellers have been reported forplagiarizing formatting & texts. We fiercelyprotect our Intellectual Property rights – and in court, when necessary.
00107
Please note: Some of the photos are below our usual standards, due to 3 weeks of nearly non-stop rain or snow, and sub-freezing temperatures – the candlestick is guaranteed as described; 7 photos have been replaced.Imaginethe international chaos that would be generated if stock markets were cut offfrom social or political developments: the entire world isinformation-driven, and why the Antiques trade continues to quote or relyon totally out-dated and erroneous books is beyond comprehension. I have more than 100 reference books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Swedish (and of course English) thataddress both base-metal objects of domestic life and lighting at length –literally all contain errors. The most reliable references are publishedin French or German; Anglo-American books are the worst. I often get questions as to why people can’t find anyexamples of rare variations on French and other Continental candlesticks in any referencebooks: my basic response is lack of intellectual or aesthetic curiosity, or anunwillingness to spend more than a few weeks in Europe.The Lear Collection: A study ofcopper-alloy socket candlestsicks (1995), by Christopher Bangshas a very brief chapter on what 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 1620 to 1660 period; 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 a superb 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 a shallow well for excess wax is more aligned to the mid-17th century - but large deep sockets andmassive acorn or ball knops are early, and the sophistication of the turningsis highly unusual. Acorn knops have been around since at least the mid-16th century - I own a double acorn-knopped baluster stemmed Limoges enameled candlestick in my collection that is both signed & dated 1552. It was briefly listed for sale, but I ended it, after getting several mindless questions as to available references in English. The color under the feet of 19th century copies has nothing in common with period Limoges enamels; even so, the only ultimate test is XRF analysis, which I have been involved with for at least 9 years - it is accurate to less than .5%, and is necessary to prove the absence of trace elements that typify Samson & other copies.Condition on this outstanding candlestick is untouched: the underside of the foot has notbeen soldered - what you see in photo # 8 is all bronze, and there are substantial traces of originalgilding everywhere. Thefoot sits completely flat, and what looks like a small filled hole in the topof the foot (see photo # 10) is a casting defect, dating from the timeof fabrication. As with many other important technical details, Ronald Michaelis was the only author toeven mention casting defects, and I have no idea as to why – they areincredibly common – and he also (albeit too briefly) discussed other anomaliesin early metalwork production. In the context of Number 129 of the Lear Collection, Bangs make an erroneous comment as to ejector holes, presumably based on lackof extensive experience with Continental lighting – ejector holes remained commonplace inboth copper alloy and iron lighting until at least 1730.Casting pins are often visible on eitherside of acorn or ball knops, but not in this case: they might be covered overwith gilding. Among other omissionswith virtually every early lighting or metalwork book in print is the totallack of technical photographs, plus highly limited and erroneous discussions ofconstruction aspects. No close-ups or other photos from under the feet areincluded, and with the single exception of Old Domestic base-Metal Candlesticks by Ronald Michaelis (Pub. 1978), there are no commentaries on casting pins, or other important variationson 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 – using scans of any Copyrighted material less than 50 years old on eBay is asking for a lawsuit.We are independently listed with theNew England AppraisersAssociation, for France orthe UK.Condition:As-seen & described, with otherwiseless than the normal amount of wear one expects on mid-17th centurymetalwork. Note: Photos are high resolution – use magnificationfor 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 & 3/4” (17.2 cm.): foot width– 4 & 1/4” (10.7 cm.). Weight– 525 grams, 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! Intolerant ordifficult buyers, or those leaving less than 5-star feedback (no longerinvisible) will be black-listed. EXTREME weather isgetting worse in Europe – delays are often unavoidable.This is not a"decorator" shop - eBay’s Consumer Goods-generated “Hassle-freereturns” policy does not apply to arbitrary whim, or unqualified opinion.Returns are accepted - if: there is a major problem with the age, condition ororigin of a piece as described; and this 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 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 numerous categories. He has placedpieces with many French & US museums, including the Smithsonian; he assistsme with acquisitions, research & texts. You can buy with confidence in yourpurchases: we are separate and private, academic collectors, looking to advanceour own collections. R. Josef is the only European Decorative Arts specialist for the New England Appraisers Association residing in the European Union. We areindependently listed with the New England Appraisers Association, for France or the UK. ETBurdettDearbuyers –apologies for the copyright lines, but R. Josef is an extensively publishedexpert with ongoing academic & commercial commissions, including 2 moreforthcoming books. Listings often contain original research & informationthat has not appeared before; several eBay sellers have been reported forplagiarizing formatting & texts. We fiercelyprotect our Intellectual Property rights – and in court, when necessary.
00107
