how can you tell an antique brass candlestick

How can you tell an antique brass candlestick? Antique brass candleholders were often seamed; two pieces soldered together over an open flame. Look at the finish. Turn the brass candleholder upside down and check for a well-finished underside, something similar to the finish on the entire candleholder.

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How can you tell if a brass candlestick is real?

Early 19th century brass candlesticks have a thin layer of brass that is slightly rough on the inside from being cast by sand. Look inside the interior of the candlestick for a thin metal rod that has an end shaped like a button. This was meant to remove the end of a candle stub and is indicative of an authentic antique brass candlestick.

How do you clean a brass candlestick?

Wipe the candlestick with a soft cloth. Solid brass should wipe clean easily, with only a little effort. If the dirt will not lift even with vigorous rubbing, it is likely rust and the candlestick is probably not brass.

How do I identify my Brass antiques?

Some antique brass pieces feature stamps or maker's marks to help identify where and when they were made. Look for these marks on the bottoms or backs of your brass antiques - they may appear as a collection of numbers, letters, or symbols. OldCopper.org has a good listing of various maker's marks to compare.

What is an antique candlestick made of?

Candlesticks have been used since the 16th century and possibly longer. One of the primary materials used in antique candlesticks was brass, which is made out of an alloy of copper and zinc.

How can you tell vintage brass candlesticks?

1:079:20Book Review How to Identify 18th Century Brass CandlesticksYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne indicator or an early candlestick will be seamed. And it won't be a horizontal seam can be twoMoreOne indicator or an early candlestick will be seamed. And it won't be a horizontal seam can be two seams running down either side where they've made the kind of stick in two halves.

Are brass candlesticks worth anything?

They often are more valuable than early examples. Hundreds of brass candlesticks were made in the 19th century. Since they were practically indestructible, they are waiting for a sharp-eyed collector to unearth them. They could be made in dozens of designs by the assembly of separate parts and turnings.Jun 23, 1989

Are brass candlesticks in style?

Brass candlesticks are timeless. They aren't a trend that will pass. They fit so many styles which makes them perfect in every home.Sep 24, 2018

What are old candlesticks made of?

The candlesticks were made of brass or bronze and decorated with Egyptian or Classical motifs. An attractive type had a circle of branches below the nozzle from which were suspended cut-glass icicles.

How do you date brass?

The best way to differentiate between bronze and brass metal alloys is by examining the tarnish on your piece. Bronze tends to tarnish brown while brass might turn black. Another indicator is the color and how the object reflects light. If the piece is yellow with a shiny finish, it is likely brass instead of bronze.Nov 26, 2021

How do you clean brass from candlesticks?

Here's how to do it:First, remove any drips of wax. ... Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into a half cup of vinegar and add flour until the mixture becomes a paste.Rub onto the brass, getting into every nook, cranny, knop and well.Leave for about 10 minutes.Rinse with warm water and buff dry.Dec 13, 2019

Is brass Coming Back in Style 2020?

The old designer adage of “if you wait long enough, everything comes back into style” is certainly true when it comes to brass. The one time staple of interior design has made a comeback!Feb 14, 2020

How do you style brass?

Brass works best with bold blocks of color like turquoise, emerald, or cobalt, as well as deep, cold grays. Select one color from the cool side of the wheel and keep other elements in the space simple and neutral.Jan 4, 2017

Are candlesticks still in style?

“Candlesticks are becoming more and more popular because of their simplistic yet stately design," Floyd notes. "We all crave ambiance and light, but in different ways other than traditional candles and table lamps, and candlesticks really add a cozy feel to the home that is so necessary at this point in life.”Apr 24, 2021

What are candlestick candles called?

Candlesticks are less frequently called "candleholders". Before the proliferation of electricity, candles were carried between rooms using a chamberstick, a short candlestick with a pan to catch dripping wax.

What are old timey candle holders called?

A candelabra (plural candelabras) or candelabrum (plural candelabra or candelabrums) is a candle holder with multiple arms.

What is candlestick history?

Candlestick charts are thought to have been developed in the 18th century by Munehisa Homma, a Japanese rice trader. They were introduced to the Western world by Steve Nison in his book Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques, first published in 1991.

How to clean a brass candlestick?

Wipe the candlestick with a soft cloth. Solid brass should wipe clean easily, with only a little effort. If the dirt will not lift even with vigorous rubbing, it is likely rust and the candlestick is probably not brass.

What happens if a magnet sticks to a candlestick?

If the magnet sticks, the candlestick is not brass or is skimpily brass-plated. If the magnet falls off, the candlestick is probably genuine brass, since brass is non-magnetic. Turn the candlestick over. Scratch the bottom with a safety pin, straight pin or tack where it will not show.

What is brass used for?

Many homeowners love brass and long to obtain genuine authentic pieces such as light fixtures, lamps and candlesticks.

What are antique candlesticks made of?

Candlesticks have been used since the 16th century and possibly longer. One of the primary materials used in antique candlesticks was brass, which is made out of an alloy of copper and zinc. While some antique candlesticks are ornate and elaborate in design, others are simple and functional, and antique candlesticks of all styles can be found at many antique stores, collector shows and estate sales. There are a few ways to identify antique brass candlesticks correctly.

When were candlesticks invented?

Candlesticks have been used since the 16th century and possibly longer.

About Kovels

I have done some spinning both in miniature candlesticks 1:. It is great fun. Brass enough leaving spinning marks candleholder a rather bad call on the antique of whom ever left them. One of my pet peeves.

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Nice links Elga. I like the drawing of all the different candlesticks that is referencing Silver candlesticks. No candlesticks for me right now - but quite tempting, as at present time I've committed to an inch of petitpoint per month.

What are the maker's marks on brass?

Maker's Marks. Some antique brass pieces feature stamps or maker's marks to help identify where and when they were made. Look for these marks on the bottoms or backs of your brass antiques - they may appear as a collection of numbers, letters, or symbols. OldCopper.org has a good listing of various maker's marks to compare.

What is antique brass?

Typically duller and more subtle than shiny brass, antique brass offers an understated touch for interiors. If you need to determine whether something is an antique or whether it's a modern item with an antique brass finish, look for signs of wear.

What is tarnish on brass?

Tarnish is often mottled with spots of various colors like red, black, brown, and gray. Over time, it can become very thick and cover the entire brass item with a dark coating . This tarnish is normal for antique brass, and you can clean it off if you wish. Source.

Why is brass lacquered?

Some brass items are lacquered to prevent them from tarnishing. However, over time, this lacquer can wear away or flake off. If you have an antique item with a lacquered brass finish, it may show uneven wear and areas of tarnish.

How to tell if a brass plate is solid?

You can tell the difference with the help of a magnet. If you hold a magnet against the item and feel a pull, you know the piece is brass plated. If there's no attraction, then the piece is solid brass. That's because the underlying metal is usually iron or steel, both of which are magnetic.

What color is brass?

Color - Red to Yellow. You can expect to see variation in the color of antique brass items. Brass is an alloy, which means it is made up of more than a single metal. In the case of brass, that combination is zinc and copper, and there's no set formula for how much of each metal is in the brass. For applications where strength is an issue, such as ...

Why does brass oxidize?

Because brass is made up of zinc and copper, it tends to tarnish or oxidize. This happens because the metals in the brass react with skin oils and the oxygen in the air.

When were candlesticks made?

There was nothing really new about casting. But the use of the process made things far easier, so much so that candlesticks dating from about the year 1700 survive in large numbers and evolving styles and in good heavy quality that needed no further strengthening. Evolution, however, did not confine itself to styles.

Where were telescopic candlesticks invented?

Telescopic candlesticks, however, invented in Sheffield and exclusively made there, are another matter. These were of a utilitarian nature and were intended to throw a constant light, height being adjusted as the candle shortened, so avoiding strain on the eyes when reading, sewing, and so forth.

Why are Sheffield candlesticks so insubstantial?

This explains why most Sheffield candlesticks had to be loaded with a hard or weighty substance, usually marked as “weighted”. As hollowware, they could not have stood alone. This is also why they were so easily damaged or dented.

What are chamber sticks?

Chamber sticks, which lost their purpose of lighting people's way to bed during the 19th century , never attracted these designers to the same degree. Very few attempted more than the gadrooned edge and leaf-capped handle, although a few followed the Adam Neoclassical line. Telescopic candlesticks, however, invented in Sheffield and exclusively made there, are another matter. These were of a utilitarian nature and were intended to throw a constant light, height being adjusted as the candle shortened, so avoiding strain on the eyes when reading, sewing, and so forth. Consequently they were seldom made in silver as table sticks were, and still more rarely in a set of four. Most were of Sheffield plate, designed to extend to varying heights. Some were very small, round and plain, and few are decorated beyond rayed flutes, gadrooned or beaded edges.

How many ounces are in a Fenton candle?

Fenton, Allanson & Co. went even further. The weight of the silver branches on one of their pairs alone came to 136 ounces. Fenton, along with Richard Creswick, was one of the original names in Sheffield.

What is the story behind candlesticks?

The story of candlesticks, which were hand-raised from sheet metal until casting became universal during the late-17th century, is one of continuing simplification. The change in method of manufacture was one aspect of simplification of the process. The base (made in one piece) and the columnar stem and candleholder (made in two) were easy to cast.

What was the Adam style of candlesticks?

Candlesticks, tapersticks and candelabra, which often had plated branches to save expense, were mostly made in the Adam style from an immense range of designs. Decoration on these, whatever their shape, was elegant to say the least. As heavier, more ornate forms came into fashion, designers adapted as needed.