Must See Rare 1714 Papal Roman Silver Floriform Candlestick Holders

Description

Must See Rare 1714 Papal Roman Silver Floriform Candlestick Holders
Presented is a wonderful pair of early 18th century Roman Papal silver
candlestick holders. These candlestick holders date to 1714 and bear early Papal
hallmarks. The candlesticks are made in an overall floral form, particularly the
bobeches or wax drips at the top which have a petaled design with finely
textured borders. The socles are likewise done in almost a flower bud shape,
with finely engraved texture contrasting the raised high finish petals. The
candlesticks are all silver, with no weighting or filling inside, but the real
value is in the age and origin.
Each candlestick has three hallmarks on the bottom, as well as a zigzag assay
mark. The mark of crossed keys beneath a liturgical umbrella was used on Roman
Papal silver for centuries prior to the French invasion in 1809, in numerous
variations (slightly different key handle shapes, slightly different punch
outlines, etc). The umbrella shape is very clear, and is not the miter seen in
later 19th century Papal marks above the crossed keys. The hallmark of 1714 is
undoubtedly the year mark. The third mark is a little too worn or badly stamped
to read, unfortunately. The candlesticks are 800-850 purity silver, nitric acid
tested and guaranteed.
This pair of candlesticks is in good overall condition, but both have their
issues. One has some denting to the rounded parts of the decoration around the
base, and a small split in the same region. The bobeche likewise has a few
smaller dents and a little bit of bending to some of the 'petals,' one with a
split. The other candlestick has denting to the rounded 'petals' on the base
here and there as well, with a small split and two larger ones. The bobeche has
a small split, and a little denting here and there. Both have other minor dents
around the oval decorations at the midpoint, as well. So they are not perfect,
but for being over three hundred years old, they are in pretty good shape.
Each candlestick stands about 6 ½ inches tall and measures about 5 ¾ inches
in diameter at the base.
The total weight for the pair is 607.5 grams or 21.4 regular ounces.
-jm
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