Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Church Candelabra with Wheat & Grapes, c.1850-1890

A richly symbolic pair of 1850-1890 Antique French Gilt Metal Candelabra with wheat, grapes and vine leaves, three lights each, with mellow gilt patina. At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility • Origin: France • Date: Circa 1850-1890 • Material: Gilded spelter • Subject: Wheatsheaf, grape clusters, vine leaves, and fleur-de-lis decoration • Function: Three candle sockets with drip pans per candelabrum • Finish: Aged gilt with soft patina • Condition: One leaf missing on one candelabrum • Dimensions: H: 44cm (17.3") | W: 33cm (13") | D: 15cm (5.9") • Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature located beside the ‘Add to Basket’ tab before completing your order Desirability:   • A highly decorative and symbolically rich ecclesiastical pair   • The combination of wheat and grapes offers deep theological and visual meaning   • Perfect for mantelpieces, altars, dining tables, or statement decorative displays   • Strong sculptural quality with intricate 19th-century detailing   • Increasingly sought after as historic religious decorative objects Heritage, History & Craftsmanship A wonderful and richly symbolic pair of antique French church candelabra dating from circa 1850–1890. Crafted in gilded spelter, each candelabrum holds three candles with drip pans and is beautifully modelled with a central wheatsheaf, clusters of grapes, curling vine leaves, and fleur-de-lis detail, creating a lively, naturalistic composition with excellent silhouette and presence. The decorative language is quintessentially 19th century—abundant, celebratory and carefully worked—while the gilded surface has mellowed over time to a warm, devotional patina. One leaf is missing to one candelabrum, noted for accuracy, though this does not detract from the overall impact and display quality of the pair. Brief Historical Note Originally made for church altars and ceremonial settings, candelabra such as these were often designed with clear ecclesiastical symbolism. The wheatsheaf represents the Eucharist and the bread of life - Christ’s body and the bounty of the harvest - while grapes and vines symbolise the sacramental wine, Christ’s blood, and divine abundance. The fleur-de-lis further reinforces themes of purity and French Catholic identity. During the mid to late 19th century, French church furnishings frequently blended theological meaning with ornate decorative artistry, reflecting the era’s renewed appetite for historic styles and expressive sacred ornament. Styling Suggestions • Use as a symmetrical pair on a mantelpiece to frame a mirror, artwork, or festive greenery • Place on an altar-style console with devotional objects, old prints, or Santos for a layered vignette • Style as a dramatic dining-table centrepiece with simple ivory tapers and low foliage • Pair with dark wood, stoneware, or antique glass so the gilt reads warm and candlelit rather than bright • Mix into an eclectic interior as a “counterpoint” piece—sacred ornament against clean modern lines • For Christmas, combine with berries, pine, dried orange and ribbon for a richly traditional look • In a hallway, place on a console to create instant welcome and atmosphere after dusk • Flank architectural features (a fireplace, a doorway, a niche) to emphasise height and symmetry • Display with other ecclesiastical or architectural salvage to build a curated, collected feel Explore Every Facet Our high-resolution photographs let you examine this pair in detail, exactly as you would in the showroom. These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. Study the modelling to the wheatsheaves, grape clusters and vine leaves, the candle sockets and drip pans, the aged gilt surface, and the noted small loss to one leaf. Sustainable Style Thank you for considering this pair of antique French church candelabra - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures. Choosing antique objects preserves existing materials, supports traditional craftsmanship, and brings depth, individuality, and continuity into modern interiors. Purchase with Confidence White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship, and decorative presence - ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Each item is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each antique, and appreciate these timeless treasures in person.