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Candle Stick Holders ~Bronze~Gold Wash***VERY OLD***

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    Posted 11 years ago

    cerey_runyon
    (6 items)

    Candle Stick Holders Two; Bronze, Brass and/or gold plated ***Very OLD***
    There is much debate over what is considered “Bronze” and that which is considered “Brass”. In some considerations (especially antiques) there is no such thing as brass. However, many experts consider the amount of copper, tin, zinc and other metals to determine the factor.
    In ancient times, the mixtures were all over the place, where the specimen will turn completely white or gray because of the amount of tin and zinc si very high.
    The mixture on these candle holders is revealed on the very bottom which as well, reveals definite “sand casting” and you can see that there is a lot of copper and tin in the mixture (your more expensive metals). So we are classifying them as bronze, though not absolutely sure, but mostly because we are confident that they have a Gold wash on them, this is because they have not been polished in over two years and they have not tarnished in that time, as well, when they were found they did not possess any kind of “patina” Also as mentioned above, we tested them with nitric acid, without filing and it took over 60 seconds longer, to get a reaction, compared to a modern piece of brass, which was instantly bubbling and sizzling from the control test material.
    I am quite certain that these are very old. They were found in an 1840’s home that was being torn down recently. They were underneath floorboards in an old town of Wythe, Virginia.
    Somebody (not me) cleaned them; however they were only slightly tarnished. I believe they are gold washed as I tested them with a mild solution of nitric acid and it took over a minute for any reaction, at all; to the acid..
    The inside, of the bottom, of the two candle stick holders, reveal the real patina and it suggest (to me) that the items show the signs of at least a one hundred fifty years, of acquired patina.
    The screws are handmade. The holders are both sand cast and turned on a lathe.
    It is obvious that the sand casted pieces were done separately, as they are not nearly the same in size and shape (upon close scrutiny). The natural patina on the bottom of the holders was probably covered over for generations thus less of a patina was acquired.
    If these were forgeries; their cost to make them would indeed exceed their value, and considering where and how they were found is strong provenance that they are indeed quite old. Besides they derive a true sophistication and class of that of the Revolutionary war period.
    The style of these candle holders is quite common, both in the French European, (European’s including” Continental”) have been hallmarking since the time of the Emperor Constantine; this was enacted so the king or emperor could charge a “Duty Tax” on all precious metals, copper and bronze being one of them. America followed suit, but for the most part did not hallmark bronze.) in the newly founded America’s.
    I believe the candle stick holders are American made due to the fact that I cannot find any hallmarks numbers, dates or signatures. They were probably not made by a true silver or goldsmith, but I could be wrong. In some cases the style alone, is a signature of whom they were made by, but I am not an expert in this area. (Remember this item is unconditionally guaranteed for ten days)
    In addition they are not exactly alike. Quite different actually, and they measure different, yet they are the same. They ARE A PAIR.

    ***Can you please help in identifying the make, the age and whether they are Colonial, American Revolutionary or newer reproductions?***

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