Candlesticks

Candlesticks were made of brass, pewter, glass, sterling silver, plated silver, and all types of pottery and porcelain. The earliest candlesticks, dating from the sixteenth century, held the candle on a pricket (sharp pointed spike). These lost favor because in times of strife the large church candlesticks with prickets became formidable weapons, so the socket was mandated. A candlestick's shape is often a good indicator of its age. Candlesticks changed in style through the centuries, and designs range from Classic to Rococo to Art Nouveau to Art Deco. For more information, explore our identification guides for candlesticks, silver, pewter, other metals, glass, and pottery.