Stunning 16 & 1/2 " 17th Century French Bronze Pricket Candlestick Circa 1620
Item History & Price
Stunning 16 & 1/2”17th century French bronze pricket candlestick with floral knops, circa 1620We purchase collections of Continental lighting, metalwork, ceramics, glass & textiles, 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 �...� and, internationalbuyers cannot otherwise "see" pieces listed on eBay UK. Text, formatting & images © 2019 – R. JosefBurdett-Williamson – all rights reserved.Breveté, 2019, par M. R. Josef Burdett-Williamson. ATTENTION – défense de reproduction ! We are veryserious, as to Intellectual Property rights – any violations are reported toeBay,
and our Intellectual Properties attorneys in Leeds & Paris. Please readall my terms of sale carefully!Elly BurdettThis is in France.Pieces in the group photo are for scale.You are only buying 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. 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 400 new acquisitions in the past few weeks - keep watching this page. R. Josef The antiques trade is rife withperpetuated errors, and moving to France 25+ years ago meant that I had tounlearn more than a few. One of the most annoying and widespread is that all pricket candlesticks (and larger mid-drips) areecclesiastical. This has been thoroughly disproven, from early inventories, woodcuts and paintings, and in-situresearch – I own several non-ecclesiastical French wrought iron pricket beamcandlesticks. The “ecclesiastical assumption” also totally ignores the fact of the enormous size of theRenaissance and later Continental architecture of the wealthy merchant classand aristocracy across Europe – the larger early secular pricket or mid-dripcandlesticks (of which we have owned dozens - andhave more on hand) were often for use in truly enormous rooms, and on furniture thatwas proportionally massive.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 either mid-dripsocket candlesticks, or secular pricket candlesticks. Elly has sold far inexcess of 100; I’ve handled manymore, and currently have 25 or so lurking about my house. This was justacquired from a collector/dealer in central France – based on the appearance ofthe form in Holland, Germany and France, I am quite sure that the design wasvery popular in the period, and was made in at least 4 countries. However, theshaft of this was unique in my experience, prior to three months ago, and Ican’t find a similar example in any of my numerous reference books. I’ve seenquite a few others with the same form of base (including some that were dated), in France more often than in any other country. 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 nearly 8years).This is one of the finest Frenchpricket candlesticks I’ve been able to buy for Elly for resale; the proportionsand aesthetics of the shaft are stunning – the condition is not pristine, butis readily restorable. The pricket has been slightly shortened, and threaded ontop for an electric fitting; the drip pan has a small hole, and although it isinvisible, the shaft has been soldered. If not for having very recently handledanother candlestick that must have come from the same atelier (see photo 4), Idon’t think that I would have been aware that the shaft was not cast in onepiece (see photo 9). Whether or not this ever had ball feet (as the otherexample in photo 4 did) is highly debatable – there is not the slightest traceof any holes in the corners, and the base does not appear to have been reducedin height. Rather than piece in the pricket top to extend it, one can also simply reshape it - this is not difficult, and only requires attention to the overall proportions.
As is often the case, the onlyEnglish language point of reference that is useful is Old Domestic base-Metal Candlesticks (pub. 1978) by Ronald Michaelis – which is still thebest technical reference on base-metal lighting or brass. Michaelis’work is generically superior; in the 1970’s, he was the only author to get it right, as to the attribution of Nurembergcandlesticks – and, correctly question the time constraints placed onHeemskerks by others. However, his dating of Franco-Flemish candlesticks is notalways accurate, and others bear erroneous attributions – the 3 candlesticks inFigure 170, page 116, are in fact all French, late 16th century, andnot 1st quarter, 18th century.The Appendix on page 137 of Michaeliscontains a somewhat useful, but hopelessly out-dated and rudimentarymetallurgical chart on base-metal candlesticks.More recent published references using XRF analysis are equally unreliable, dueto errors in attributions of candlesticks, or woefully inadequate numbers ofpieces sampled. As with any other truly accurate and scientific survey, a verywide range and large number of examples is an absolute necessity.Michaelis does devote a brief chapter tothe pricket form, but did not have as much experience as I have, withspecifically Continental (and especially French) origins of pricket or mid-dripcandlesticks; he does not always provide accurate commentaries. In this case, his book is of very limited use – as mentioned, the shaft is completely uniquein my experience, and the form of the base is not addressed by Michaelis either. The lower flower has 6 lobes/petals, and the upper has 5; the concept of having a massive bladed ball baluster arisefrom the lower flower is a fascinating, and highly successful aestheticachievement. This was originally gilded; the circular casting defect that isfaintly visible in photo 3 would have been covered over – there are a few smallbruises to the shaft above the knop.We are independently listed with the NewEngland Appraisers Association, for France or England.Under France, you will find me listed twice – the first time isas the founder of record of the New EnglandAppraisers Association.Condition: as-seen, and as described above. It otherwise has less than the normal wear and veryminor dings that can be expected on early metalwork. Photos are highresolution – use magnification for viewing details. Pleaseask, if you wish additional photos.© R. JosefBurdett-Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Height – 16 & 1/2” (42 cm.): drip pandiameter: 4 & 1/2"(11.5 cm.):foot width – 5 & 1/2" (14 cm.). Weight – 2.2 kilos, not includingpackaging.Insured mailingwithin France is 14 Euros; to the UK & EU is 24 Euros– to North America is56 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 mailwithin 3 to 7 working days from clearance of payment: but request that buyers be understanding of delays due to illness, severe weather, or computer problems: this is strictly a small business, with noemployees! 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 notapply 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 anyalleged damage are required - they are mandatory for insurance claims.What you pay for shippingis our actual cost – despite lowered fuel costs, international shipping is stupidlyexpensive - we have absolutely no control over rates – I lose 6% to PayPal, and often absorb extra costs, such as double-boxing.International buyers – please inquire, as to mailing costs!Note:Our independent certifications withthe New England Appraisers Association (in both France & England) expedite Customsclearances, and prevent EXCESS duties being incorrectly imposed on antiques conformingto the 100 years legal dateline, thus saving buyers 10% to 43% in relevant countries.Payments:PayPal, French or UK checks, or bank drafts, & all banktransfers accepted. We areobliged to accept PayPal, but prefer bank transfers, or UK or French checks -PayPal takes a 6% bite out of all transactions - including shipping costs.My business associate is an expatriate American historian ofDecorative Arts, a published antiques editor & writer, guest curator, certified appraiser, & internationally respected authority in early glass, lighting, metalwork, sculpture, period furniture & other categories. He hasplaced pieces with French & US museums, including the Smithsonian, &assists me with acquisitions, research & texts. You can buy from me, withconfidence in your purchases. We are separate and private, academic collectors, looking to defray the costs of advancing with our own collections. R. Josef is the only EuropeanDecorative Arts specialist for the NewEngland Appraisers Association residing in theEuropean Union, and is available for expertise or arbitration. We areindependently listed with the New EnglandAppraisers Association, forFrance or the UK – or see my professional contact details, as provided beneath eBayUK listings. ET BurdettDear 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. We fiercely protectour Intellectual Property rights – and in court, when necessary.
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and our Intellectual Properties attorneys in Leeds & Paris. Please readall my terms of sale carefully!Elly BurdettThis is in France.Pieces in the group photo are for scale.You are only buying 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. 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 400 new acquisitions in the past few weeks - keep watching this page. R. Josef The antiques trade is rife withperpetuated errors, and moving to France 25+ years ago meant that I had tounlearn more than a few. One of the most annoying and widespread is that all pricket candlesticks (and larger mid-drips) areecclesiastical. This has been thoroughly disproven, from early inventories, woodcuts and paintings, and in-situresearch – I own several non-ecclesiastical French wrought iron pricket beamcandlesticks. The “ecclesiastical assumption” also totally ignores the fact of the enormous size of theRenaissance and later Continental architecture of the wealthy merchant classand aristocracy across Europe – the larger early secular pricket or mid-dripcandlesticks (of which we have owned dozens - andhave more on hand) were often for use in truly enormous rooms, and on furniture thatwas proportionally massive.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 either mid-dripsocket candlesticks, or secular pricket candlesticks. Elly has sold far inexcess of 100; I’ve handled manymore, and currently have 25 or so lurking about my house. This was justacquired from a collector/dealer in central France – based on the appearance ofthe form in Holland, Germany and France, I am quite sure that the design wasvery popular in the period, and was made in at least 4 countries. However, theshaft of this was unique in my experience, prior to three months ago, and Ican’t find a similar example in any of my numerous reference books. I’ve seenquite a few others with the same form of base (including some that were dated), in France more often than in any other country. 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 nearly 8years).This is one of the finest Frenchpricket candlesticks I’ve been able to buy for Elly for resale; the proportionsand aesthetics of the shaft are stunning – the condition is not pristine, butis readily restorable. The pricket has been slightly shortened, and threaded ontop for an electric fitting; the drip pan has a small hole, and although it isinvisible, the shaft has been soldered. If not for having very recently handledanother candlestick that must have come from the same atelier (see photo 4), Idon’t think that I would have been aware that the shaft was not cast in onepiece (see photo 9). Whether or not this ever had ball feet (as the otherexample in photo 4 did) is highly debatable – there is not the slightest traceof any holes in the corners, and the base does not appear to have been reducedin height. Rather than piece in the pricket top to extend it, one can also simply reshape it - this is not difficult, and only requires attention to the overall proportions.
As is often the case, the onlyEnglish language point of reference that is useful is Old Domestic base-Metal Candlesticks (pub. 1978) by Ronald Michaelis – which is still thebest technical reference on base-metal lighting or brass. Michaelis’work is generically superior; in the 1970’s, he was the only author to get it right, as to the attribution of Nurembergcandlesticks – and, correctly question the time constraints placed onHeemskerks by others. However, his dating of Franco-Flemish candlesticks is notalways accurate, and others bear erroneous attributions – the 3 candlesticks inFigure 170, page 116, are in fact all French, late 16th century, andnot 1st quarter, 18th century.The Appendix on page 137 of Michaeliscontains a somewhat useful, but hopelessly out-dated and rudimentarymetallurgical chart on base-metal candlesticks.More recent published references using XRF analysis are equally unreliable, dueto errors in attributions of candlesticks, or woefully inadequate numbers ofpieces sampled. As with any other truly accurate and scientific survey, a verywide range and large number of examples is an absolute necessity.Michaelis does devote a brief chapter tothe pricket form, but did not have as much experience as I have, withspecifically Continental (and especially French) origins of pricket or mid-dripcandlesticks; he does not always provide accurate commentaries. In this case, his book is of very limited use – as mentioned, the shaft is completely uniquein my experience, and the form of the base is not addressed by Michaelis either. The lower flower has 6 lobes/petals, and the upper has 5; the concept of having a massive bladed ball baluster arisefrom the lower flower is a fascinating, and highly successful aestheticachievement. This was originally gilded; the circular casting defect that isfaintly visible in photo 3 would have been covered over – there are a few smallbruises to the shaft above the knop.We are independently listed with the NewEngland Appraisers Association, for France or England.Under France, you will find me listed twice – the first time isas the founder of record of the New EnglandAppraisers Association.Condition: as-seen, and as described above. It otherwise has less than the normal wear and veryminor dings that can be expected on early metalwork. Photos are highresolution – use magnification for viewing details. Pleaseask, if you wish additional photos.© R. JosefBurdett-Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Height – 16 & 1/2” (42 cm.): drip pandiameter: 4 & 1/2"(11.5 cm.):foot width – 5 & 1/2" (14 cm.). Weight – 2.2 kilos, not includingpackaging.Insured mailingwithin France is 14 Euros; to the UK & EU is 24 Euros– to North America is56 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 mailwithin 3 to 7 working days from clearance of payment: but request that buyers be understanding of delays due to illness, severe weather, or computer problems: this is strictly a small business, with noemployees! 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 notapply 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 anyalleged damage are required - they are mandatory for insurance claims.What you pay for shippingis our actual cost – despite lowered fuel costs, international shipping is stupidlyexpensive - we have absolutely no control over rates – I lose 6% to PayPal, and often absorb extra costs, such as double-boxing.International buyers – please inquire, as to mailing costs!Note:Our independent certifications withthe New England Appraisers Association (in both France & England) expedite Customsclearances, and prevent EXCESS duties being incorrectly imposed on antiques conformingto the 100 years legal dateline, thus saving buyers 10% to 43% in relevant countries.Payments:PayPal, French or UK checks, or bank drafts, & all banktransfers accepted. We areobliged to accept PayPal, but prefer bank transfers, or UK or French checks -PayPal takes a 6% bite out of all transactions - including shipping costs.My business associate is an expatriate American historian ofDecorative Arts, a published antiques editor & writer, guest curator, certified appraiser, & internationally respected authority in early glass, lighting, metalwork, sculpture, period furniture & other categories. He hasplaced pieces with French & US museums, including the Smithsonian, &assists me with acquisitions, research & texts. You can buy from me, withconfidence in your purchases. We are separate and private, academic collectors, looking to defray the costs of advancing with our own collections. R. Josef is the only EuropeanDecorative Arts specialist for the NewEngland Appraisers Association residing in theEuropean Union, and is available for expertise or arbitration. We areindependently listed with the New EnglandAppraisers Association, forFrance or the UK – or see my professional contact details, as provided beneath eBayUK listings. ET BurdettDear 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. We fiercely protectour Intellectual Property rights – and in court, when necessary.
00332
