Untouched 17th Century French Bronze Acorn Knopped Socket Candlestick Circa 1660
Item History & Price
Untouched 17thcentury French bronze acorn baluster knopped socket candlestick, circa 1660We 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. Text, f...ormatting & images © 2020 – R. JosefBurdett-Williamson – all rights reserved.Breveté, 2020, par M. R. Josef Burdett-Williamson. ATTENTION – défense de reproduction !Intellectual Property & Author Rights violations are reported to IntellectualProperties attorneys in Paris & Leeds.Please readmy terms of sale carefully!Elly BurdettThis is in France.Pieces in photo # 2 are for comparison.You are only buying the featured candlestick.
Please note: For those notfamiliar with my eBay store, I’m a part-time antiques dealer.I am assisted by an expat Americanhistorian of European Decorative Arts & museum curator in France, with 46 yearsof advanced experience. Sincerely, ET Burdett Dear friends & clients: Roy here in France. Elly has a verylarge inventory of Fine Arts & Antiques – at least 4, 000 period pieces.15, 000+ French postal employees took leave of absencewhen the virus struck; rural post offices closed for 9 weeks. The virus hit less than 20 miles from my house; there are 700+ new"cluster" outbreaks since de-confinement.I’m often not able toreply for several days, list new arrivals, or ship – no internet! I live alone, extremely isolated on the edge of aplateau, at 3, 000 ft. altitude. Volatile thunderstorms mandate beingunplugged; they destroy computers.France was undermartial law for 8 weeks; 100, 000+ police & miltary deployed to enforcetotal confinement. Besides fooddeliveries left 8 feet from my house, I have NO human contact.This is not to elicit sympathy – only understanding. I’m 70, & needmedical care, but visits to dentists, doctors & hospitals were prohibited, except for life-threatening problems. There has been little talk about it, butthere have also been many suicides – I’ve been living in a war zone for 5months.France is 18% smallerthan Texas; the virus has decimated daily life – 30, 500+ people are dead – thereal number is believed to be more than 60, 000. In searching for “patient zero”, a case was found from mid-November. UKdeaths are 45, 900 – Elly works full-time+ in front-line Heath Care. Frenchconfinement eased, but my rural postal service is 3 days/week.The French Postwebsite was crashing for 6 weeks – in late May, mycredit card was hacked on their site. On June 12th, I wasted 50 Euros on a taxi– for an hour, the local postal director tried to book parcels for me – nonecould be shipped with added insurance.For the US, it wasworse – parcels must now go via internet (no hand-written postallabels); this is from US Customs. Finally, onJuly 7th, the French website was fixed.Until things improve, Elly’s sales from France will have a minimum10-day shipping delay – I had a 30+ parcel backlog.eBay has Seller Protection in place, as to alldelays. The past 5 monthshave been beyond depressing – I've never experienced such utter solitude. Besafe, & follow the science – anything less can be fatal. Withhope, Roy & Elly Theentire world is information-driven, and why the Antiques tradecontinues to quote from or rely on totally out-dated and erroneous books isbeyond comprehension. I have morethan 300 reference books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, andSwedish (and of course English) that address both base-metal objects ofdomestic life and lighting at length – literally all contain errors. Themost reliable references are published in French or German; Anglo-Americanbooks are the worst. I often getquestions as to why people can’t find any examples of rare variations on Frenchand other Continental candlesticks in reference books: my basic response hasbeen the lack of intellectual or aesthetic curiosity, or an unwillingness tospend more than a few weeks in Europe.The Lear Collection: A study ofcopper-alloy socket candlesticks (1995), by Christopher Bangshas a chapter referred to as “Candlesticks with Pronounced Knops”, pages 147 to150, and 328 to 337. Given the superficial nature of The Lear Collection, and virtually all other books based on what Iconsider to be “trophy” collections, I find it of very limited use.Massive ball or acorn baluster knopscharacterize French candlesticks of the 1620 to 1660 period; The Lear Collection selection was minimal, and does not begin to dojustice to the remarkable range of these handsome candlesticks in France. Nopairs were in the collection – last year, US buyers missed out an amazing pairElly listed that sold on a single bid to an astute collector in Norway. I haverecently acquired quite a few early candlesticks and other metalwork for Elly;more from the mid-17th century (and earlier) will be for sale.Theoctagonal domed foot with no well for wax is more closely aligned to the later 17thcentury, as are less-massive acorn or ball knops. This rare transitional candlestick is untouched, from a technicalpoint of view – the peening under thefoot is perfectly tight, and casting pins are prominently visible on either side of theacorn knop. Among other omissions with virtuallyevery early lighting or metalwork book in print is the total lack oftechnical 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 in copper alloys. If you don’t already have Michaelis, I highly recommend it, and over anyothers in print.The only condition comments (all minor) arethat this was probably dropped once - there is a small ding on one corner ofthe foot rim, and two on the shaft. One might have been a casting defect – the ‘stickwas originally gilded.We are independently listed with theNew England AppraisersAssociation, for France orthe UK.Condition:Basically outstanding! As-seen & as described above, with otherwise less than the normal amount of wear one expectson mid-17th century metalwork. Note: Photos are highresolution – use magnification for viewing details. Please ask, if you wishmore.© R. Josef Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Height –6 & 3/4” (17.2 cm.): foot width– 3 & 7/8” (9.8 cm.). Weight– 480 grams, not including packaging.Insured shipping within France is 12Euros; to the UK & EU is 18 Euros – to NorthAmerica is 30 Euros.I don'tcharge for packing & handling, &always offer grouped rate posting, with no time limits. I ship from both the UK & France – pleaseread listings carefully – rates & conditions are substantiallydifferent.Important!From the UK, I usually ship 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 a small business with noemployees. Intolerant ordifficult buyers, or those leaving less than 5-star feedback (now visible) will be black-listed. EXTREME weather is getting 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 unqualifiedopinion. 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 - I 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, 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, drafts or checks – PayPal UK nowtakes a 6%+bite out of all transactions - including shipping costs.I am assistedby an expatriate American historian of Decorative Arts who is a publishedantiques editor & writer, curator, certified appraiser, &internationally respected authority in numerous categories. He has placedpieces with many museums, including the Smithsonian; he assists me withacquisitions, research & texts. You can buy with confidence in yourpurchases: we are separate and private, academic collectors, looking to advance with our own collections. R. Josef is the only European Decorative Arts specialist for the New England Appraisers Association residing in the European Union.Dearbuyers –apologies for the copyright lines, but R. Josef is an extensively publishedexpert with ongoing academic & commercial commissions, including 2 more forthcomingbooks. Listings often contain original research & information that has notappeared before; several eBay sellers have been reported for plagiarizingformatting & texts. Intellectual Property rightsare protected in court, when necessary.
00780
Please note: For those notfamiliar with my eBay store, I’m a part-time antiques dealer.I am assisted by an expat Americanhistorian of European Decorative Arts & museum curator in France, with 46 yearsof advanced experience. Sincerely, ET Burdett Dear friends & clients: Roy here in France. Elly has a verylarge inventory of Fine Arts & Antiques – at least 4, 000 period pieces.15, 000+ French postal employees took leave of absencewhen the virus struck; rural post offices closed for 9 weeks. The virus hit less than 20 miles from my house; there are 700+ new"cluster" outbreaks since de-confinement.I’m often not able toreply for several days, list new arrivals, or ship – no internet! I live alone, extremely isolated on the edge of aplateau, at 3, 000 ft. altitude. Volatile thunderstorms mandate beingunplugged; they destroy computers.France was undermartial law for 8 weeks; 100, 000+ police & miltary deployed to enforcetotal confinement. Besides fooddeliveries left 8 feet from my house, I have NO human contact.This is not to elicit sympathy – only understanding. I’m 70, & needmedical care, but visits to dentists, doctors & hospitals were prohibited, except for life-threatening problems. There has been little talk about it, butthere have also been many suicides – I’ve been living in a war zone for 5months.France is 18% smallerthan Texas; the virus has decimated daily life – 30, 500+ people are dead – thereal number is believed to be more than 60, 000. In searching for “patient zero”, a case was found from mid-November. UKdeaths are 45, 900 – Elly works full-time+ in front-line Heath Care. Frenchconfinement eased, but my rural postal service is 3 days/week.The French Postwebsite was crashing for 6 weeks – in late May, mycredit card was hacked on their site. On June 12th, I wasted 50 Euros on a taxi– for an hour, the local postal director tried to book parcels for me – nonecould be shipped with added insurance.For the US, it wasworse – parcels must now go via internet (no hand-written postallabels); this is from US Customs. Finally, onJuly 7th, the French website was fixed.Until things improve, Elly’s sales from France will have a minimum10-day shipping delay – I had a 30+ parcel backlog.eBay has Seller Protection in place, as to alldelays. The past 5 monthshave been beyond depressing – I've never experienced such utter solitude. Besafe, & follow the science – anything less can be fatal. Withhope, Roy & Elly Theentire world is information-driven, and why the Antiques tradecontinues to quote from or rely on totally out-dated and erroneous books isbeyond comprehension. I have morethan 300 reference books in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, andSwedish (and of course English) that address both base-metal objects ofdomestic life and lighting at length – literally all contain errors. Themost reliable references are published in French or German; Anglo-Americanbooks are the worst. I often getquestions as to why people can’t find any examples of rare variations on Frenchand other Continental candlesticks in reference books: my basic response hasbeen the lack of intellectual or aesthetic curiosity, or an unwillingness tospend more than a few weeks in Europe.The Lear Collection: A study ofcopper-alloy socket candlesticks (1995), by Christopher Bangshas a chapter referred to as “Candlesticks with Pronounced Knops”, pages 147 to150, and 328 to 337. Given the superficial nature of The Lear Collection, and virtually all other books based on what Iconsider to be “trophy” collections, I find it of very limited use.Massive ball or acorn baluster knopscharacterize French candlesticks of the 1620 to 1660 period; The Lear Collection selection was minimal, and does not begin to dojustice to the remarkable range of these handsome candlesticks in France. Nopairs were in the collection – last year, US buyers missed out an amazing pairElly listed that sold on a single bid to an astute collector in Norway. I haverecently acquired quite a few early candlesticks and other metalwork for Elly;more from the mid-17th century (and earlier) will be for sale.Theoctagonal domed foot with no well for wax is more closely aligned to the later 17thcentury, as are less-massive acorn or ball knops. This rare transitional candlestick is untouched, from a technicalpoint of view – the peening under thefoot is perfectly tight, and casting pins are prominently visible on either side of theacorn knop. Among other omissions with virtuallyevery early lighting or metalwork book in print is the total lack oftechnical 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 in copper alloys. If you don’t already have Michaelis, I highly recommend it, and over anyothers in print.The only condition comments (all minor) arethat this was probably dropped once - there is a small ding on one corner ofthe foot rim, and two on the shaft. One might have been a casting defect – the ‘stickwas originally gilded.We are independently listed with theNew England AppraisersAssociation, for France orthe UK.Condition:Basically outstanding! As-seen & as described above, with otherwise less than the normal amount of wear one expectson mid-17th century metalwork. Note: Photos are highresolution – use magnification for viewing details. Please ask, if you wishmore.© R. Josef Williamson Certified expert & appraiser, New England Appraisers Association.FoundingTrustee, NewBedford Museum of Glass.Height –6 & 3/4” (17.2 cm.): foot width– 3 & 7/8” (9.8 cm.). Weight– 480 grams, not including packaging.Insured shipping within France is 12Euros; to the UK & EU is 18 Euros – to NorthAmerica is 30 Euros.I don'tcharge for packing & handling, &always offer grouped rate posting, with no time limits. I ship from both the UK & France – pleaseread listings carefully – rates & conditions are substantiallydifferent.Important!From the UK, I usually ship 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 a small business with noemployees. Intolerant ordifficult buyers, or those leaving less than 5-star feedback (now visible) will be black-listed. EXTREME weather is getting 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 unqualifiedopinion. 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 - I 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, 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, drafts or checks – PayPal UK nowtakes a 6%+bite out of all transactions - including shipping costs.I am assistedby an expatriate American historian of Decorative Arts who is a publishedantiques editor & writer, curator, certified appraiser, &internationally respected authority in numerous categories. He has placedpieces with many museums, including the Smithsonian; he assists me withacquisitions, research & texts. You can buy with confidence in yourpurchases: we are separate and private, academic collectors, looking to advance with our own collections. R. Josef is the only European Decorative Arts specialist for the New England Appraisers Association residing in the European Union.Dearbuyers –apologies for the copyright lines, but R. Josef is an extensively publishedexpert with ongoing academic & commercial commissions, including 2 more forthcomingbooks. Listings often contain original research & information that has notappeared before; several eBay sellers have been reported for plagiarizingformatting & texts. Intellectual Property rightsare protected in court, when necessary.
00780
