17th Century Spanish Brass Saucer - Based Socket Candlestick Circa 1625
Item History & Price
Early 17th centurySpanish brass saucer-based socket candlestick, circa 1625We 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, 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 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 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 aredealing with 2 different people in England & France. I’m a part-timeantiques dealer, & sometimes exhibit at UK antiques shows.
My associate in France is an expat American historian of European DecorativeArts & museum curator, with 45 years of advanced experience. Sincerely, ET Burdett Dear friends &clients: We have more Fine Arts & Antiques than wecan begin to keep up with, as to eBay – at least 4, 000 period pieces. Groupphotos will give you a slight idea of the depth of mycollections, and Elly's inventory - keep watching this page. R. Josef Pages 96 to 105 of OldDomestic base-Metal Candlesticks, by the late RonaldMichaelis (pub. 1978) are devoted to what he termed as “The Latin group” ofcandlesticks. However, after actually living in France for 26 years, I’ve cometo question more than a few assumptions made by Michaelis, including hisdate-lines and origins forSpanish candlesticks. This is partly because we have acquired numerous “Latingroup” saucer-based candlesticks with bladed ball knops from both the south ofFrance and Germany, and I have seen manymore – all outside of Spain. The age and condition are completely guaranteed asdescribed – but I’m not 100% surethat it is of Spanish origin, and anyone who claims that they know otherwise issimply being egotistical, or less than honest. This was just acquired inCentral France, as were two other saucer-based candlesticks (sold last year) –and both had small rectangular casting pins in the bases of the shafts, asthis does. I have a number of reference books in Spanish and Italian, but amstill looking for some that cover copper alloy pieces – and I don’t know of asingle volume that addresses the obviously substantial output of Portugal.Only one saucer-based candlestick of the Latin groupappears in Michaelis, to the right of Figure145 on Page 100 (this isslightly more refined) – and rather surprisingly, he doesn’t talk about it – atall. Elly has sold a number of hallmarked Nuremberg candlesticks with saucerbases, and I’ve handled many more – only a fraction of Elly’s inventory makesit on to eBay. The total lack of information available on Portuguese copperalloy lighting, in combination with the obvious affinity of Spanish andNuremberg saucer-based candlesticks raises more than a few questions. Among these are whether or not such candlesticks were made inthe Basque Region, or elsewhere in Southwestern France – as were manycopper alloy or wrought iron lampsand other lighting pieces that have very specific regional traits. XRF analysisis the obvious solution to this and many other questions (the technologyis applicable to glass and ceramics also), but no one has yet begun alarge-scale study. The casting pins on this fine and early candlestick areobvious, but photo # 10 compares one to a rectangular pin on a definitivelyFrench piece with a massive acorn knop and tulip-formed socket.The engraved marks under the saucer base are a mystery – I haven’thad time to research them, but I have not seen them before – a triangle on afooted base. They might relate to a master guildsman, an unknown protectivemotif, or alchemy – I don’t know how long alchemical symbols persisted. Bothbase and shaft have a spotty residue of gilding – the saucer rim needs a bitmore straightening, but it was much worse. The only other condition comment isthat the bladed knop on the top of the foot has an abraded edge – presumably becauseit had been dropped, and someone has done a sloppy job of taking out a ding.This is very easy to correct, but I’ve left it to the buyer, inasmuch as I knowthat many people prefer metalwork as untouched as possible.Old Domesticbase-Metal Candlesticks, by the late Ronald Michaelisremains the best technical reference on base-metal lighting –and, he was also about the only author to get it right, as to the attributionof Nuremberg candlesticks. Numerous examples have come up at major Sotheby's orChristie's auctions in the past decade, and have been universally attributed toNuremberg - but of course, it helps considerably that many are hallmarked. The same can certainly not be said, as toFrench or other Continental copper alloys – to the contrary, all printeddiscussions on copper alloys are an interesting manifestation of thepropagation of misinformation, and the total absence of diligence in research.Among other defects with virtually everyearly lighting or metalwork book in print is the total lack of techinalphotographs, plus highly limited and erroneous discussions of constructionaspects. No close-ups or other photos from under the feet are included, andwith the single exception of Old Domesticbase-Metal Candlesticks, there are no commentaries on casting pins, orother important variations on casting techniques.If you don’t already have Michaelis, Ihighly recommend it, and over any other books in the English language. Many pre-1710 French baluster candlesticks have visiblecasting pins on either side of the medial knop – they can also bepresent under silvering, or when gilded; “sweated” – brazed over –or not present to begin with, if the shaft was turned from a solid mass. Whatis even less known is that casting pins can be present in weird places – I owna fabulous, late 16th century North Italian or South Germancandlestick with a huge bobeche: the iron casting pin is still present – in the base of the socket – you cantouch it with your little finger! I suspect that an X-ray might be of use, asto casting pins that have been plated or brazed over, but I’m not close enoughto the local hospital to make this a viable option (and I don’t know how thetechnicians would react to such a request!).Theresearch of Michaeilis was excellent, but not perfect; his dating of Franco-Flemish candlesticks was not always accurate, andothers bear erroneous attributions – the 3 candlesticks in Figure 170, page116, are in fact all French, late 16th century, and not 1st quarter, 18th century. The metallurgical chart inthe back of Michaelis is rudimentary and hopelessly out-of-date – our numerousvisits to the Sheffield assay office to have XRF testing done over the past 9years have consistently proved this.Scientific advances will soon have a major impact on the knowledgeof early metalwork - the UK silver & gold assay offices now have hand-helddevices - sadly expensive, but I’m thinking about buying one: they can analyzealmost anything to less than a .5% degree of accuracy.We have had mulitple highly educational &successful experiences with the technicians of the Sheffield assay office overthe past 9 years; they did the analysis on 3 or 4 separate components of a 16thcentury pricket candlestick, and we have repeated this with 2 brass Nurembergchandeliers (sold), two paktong pieces, & numerous others in base-metal, all prior to 1720.We are independently listed with theNew England AppraisersAssociation, for France orthe UK.Condition:Excellent; as as-seen, and as described above. 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 and basediameter are the same – 5 & 1/2"(14 cm.). Weight – 230 grams, not includingpackaging.Insuredmailing within France is 9 Euros; to the UK & EU is 17Euros – to North America is29 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 4% 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 4% 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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My associate in France is an expat American historian of European DecorativeArts & museum curator, with 45 years of advanced experience. Sincerely, ET Burdett Dear friends &clients: We have more Fine Arts & Antiques than wecan begin to keep up with, as to eBay – at least 4, 000 period pieces. Groupphotos will give you a slight idea of the depth of mycollections, and Elly's inventory - keep watching this page. R. Josef Pages 96 to 105 of OldDomestic base-Metal Candlesticks, by the late RonaldMichaelis (pub. 1978) are devoted to what he termed as “The Latin group” ofcandlesticks. However, after actually living in France for 26 years, I’ve cometo question more than a few assumptions made by Michaelis, including hisdate-lines and origins forSpanish candlesticks. This is partly because we have acquired numerous “Latingroup” saucer-based candlesticks with bladed ball knops from both the south ofFrance and Germany, and I have seen manymore – all outside of Spain. The age and condition are completely guaranteed asdescribed – but I’m not 100% surethat it is of Spanish origin, and anyone who claims that they know otherwise issimply being egotistical, or less than honest. This was just acquired inCentral France, as were two other saucer-based candlesticks (sold last year) –and both had small rectangular casting pins in the bases of the shafts, asthis does. I have a number of reference books in Spanish and Italian, but amstill looking for some that cover copper alloy pieces – and I don’t know of asingle volume that addresses the obviously substantial output of Portugal.Only one saucer-based candlestick of the Latin groupappears in Michaelis, to the right of Figure145 on Page 100 (this isslightly more refined) – and rather surprisingly, he doesn’t talk about it – atall. Elly has sold a number of hallmarked Nuremberg candlesticks with saucerbases, and I’ve handled many more – only a fraction of Elly’s inventory makesit on to eBay. The total lack of information available on Portuguese copperalloy lighting, in combination with the obvious affinity of Spanish andNuremberg saucer-based candlesticks raises more than a few questions. Among these are whether or not such candlesticks were made inthe Basque Region, or elsewhere in Southwestern France – as were manycopper alloy or wrought iron lampsand other lighting pieces that have very specific regional traits. XRF analysisis the obvious solution to this and many other questions (the technologyis applicable to glass and ceramics also), but no one has yet begun alarge-scale study. The casting pins on this fine and early candlestick areobvious, but photo # 10 compares one to a rectangular pin on a definitivelyFrench piece with a massive acorn knop and tulip-formed socket.The engraved marks under the saucer base are a mystery – I haven’thad time to research them, but I have not seen them before – a triangle on afooted base. They might relate to a master guildsman, an unknown protectivemotif, or alchemy – I don’t know how long alchemical symbols persisted. Bothbase and shaft have a spotty residue of gilding – the saucer rim needs a bitmore straightening, but it was much worse. The only other condition comment isthat the bladed knop on the top of the foot has an abraded edge – presumably becauseit had been dropped, and someone has done a sloppy job of taking out a ding.This is very easy to correct, but I’ve left it to the buyer, inasmuch as I knowthat many people prefer metalwork as untouched as possible.Old Domesticbase-Metal Candlesticks, by the late Ronald Michaelisremains the best technical reference on base-metal lighting –and, he was also about the only author to get it right, as to the attributionof Nuremberg candlesticks. Numerous examples have come up at major Sotheby's orChristie's auctions in the past decade, and have been universally attributed toNuremberg - but of course, it helps considerably that many are hallmarked. The same can certainly not be said, as toFrench or other Continental copper alloys – to the contrary, all printeddiscussions on copper alloys are an interesting manifestation of thepropagation of misinformation, and the total absence of diligence in research.Among other defects with virtually everyearly lighting or metalwork book in print is the total lack of techinalphotographs, plus highly limited and erroneous discussions of constructionaspects. No close-ups or other photos from under the feet are included, andwith the single exception of Old Domesticbase-Metal Candlesticks, there are no commentaries on casting pins, orother important variations on casting techniques.If you don’t already have Michaelis, Ihighly recommend it, and over any other books in the English language. Many pre-1710 French baluster candlesticks have visiblecasting pins on either side of the medial knop – they can also bepresent under silvering, or when gilded; “sweated” – brazed over –or not present to begin with, if the shaft was turned from a solid mass. Whatis even less known is that casting pins can be present in weird places – I owna fabulous, late 16th century North Italian or South Germancandlestick with a huge bobeche: the iron casting pin is still present – in the base of the socket – you cantouch it with your little finger! I suspect that an X-ray might be of use, asto casting pins that have been plated or brazed over, but I’m not close enoughto the local hospital to make this a viable option (and I don’t know how thetechnicians would react to such a request!).Theresearch of Michaeilis was excellent, but not perfect; his dating of Franco-Flemish candlesticks was not always accurate, andothers bear erroneous attributions – the 3 candlesticks in Figure 170, page116, are in fact all French, late 16th century, and not 1st quarter, 18th century. The metallurgical chart inthe back of Michaelis is rudimentary and hopelessly out-of-date – our numerousvisits to the Sheffield assay office to have XRF testing done over the past 9years have consistently proved this.Scientific advances will soon have a major impact on the knowledgeof early metalwork - the UK silver & gold assay offices now have hand-helddevices - sadly expensive, but I’m thinking about buying one: they can analyzealmost anything to less than a .5% degree of accuracy.We have had mulitple highly educational &successful experiences with the technicians of the Sheffield assay office overthe past 9 years; they did the analysis on 3 or 4 separate components of a 16thcentury pricket candlestick, and we have repeated this with 2 brass Nurembergchandeliers (sold), two paktong pieces, & numerous others in base-metal, all prior to 1720.We are independently listed with theNew England AppraisersAssociation, for France orthe UK.Condition:Excellent; as as-seen, and as described above. 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 and basediameter are the same – 5 & 1/2"(14 cm.). Weight – 230 grams, not includingpackaging.Insuredmailing within France is 9 Euros; to the UK & EU is 17Euros – to North America is29 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 4% 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 4% 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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