A Pair of 18th Century Sheffield Plate Candelabra

A fine late 18th century pair of Sheffield Plate candelabra in the Adam taste, each candelabrum having a central stem supporting three candle socles with looped branches and set upon oval bases.

In the 18th century, due to an increasing prosperity, the search for a substitute for silver for the middle classes led to the invention of Sheffield Plate by Thomas Boulsover.

The new material was made by fusing a sheet of sterling silver to a copper ingot in a furnace. Following that, the resulting material was hammered or rolled into a sheet and made up into both practical and decorative objects. It was used for pieces such as bowls and mugs.
From the end of the 18th century, the shapes of Sheffield Plate pieces became increasingly ornamental. The decoration of Sheffield Plate is always flat-chased. Engraving is not a feature of Sheffield Plate, except where coats of arms are concerned. Much Sheffield Plate is unmarked, although some makers preferred to use a symbol.

Today, these early works of silver plate often have higher value than their sterling silver counterparts. The reason is simple: collectors recognise the significance and beauty of early Sheffield Plate, especially pieces by a great Sheffield makers such as Matthew Boulton.

This pair of candelabra in Old Sheffield plate, each with three lights in a simple classical style and removable sconces has a purity of form typical of designs form the last quarter of the eighteenth century in England. There is very little rubbing to the silver plate and the candle arms retain all the original socles.