A tall and sculptural pair of French pricket candlesticks with angelic detail and patina
At a Glance – Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility
• Origin: France
• Date: Early 20th century
• Material: Copper with traces of original silver plating
• Form: Tall pricket candlesticks
• Base: Triangular with paw feet
• Decoration: Angel figures to each panel
• Finish: Timeworn surface with rich patina and verdigris
Desirability:-
• Tall pricket candlesticks are increasingly sought after for their sculptural impact
• Angelic and ecclesiastical motifs add charm and historic depth
• Surviving traces of silver plate enhance authenticity and visual interest
• Strong decorative presence in both period and contemporary interiors
• Ideal as a statement pair or flanking architectural features
Heritage, History & Craftsmanship:-
A wonderful and highly decorative pair of tall antique French pricket candlesticks, each set on a triangular base enriched with finely modelled angel figures and raised on charming paw feet. Rich in sculptural detail and presence, the candlesticks retain delicate remnants of their original silver plate, still visible across the copper surface and beautifully complemented by a softly aged patina with areas of verdigris.
Elegant yet full of character, these pricket candlesticks have strong verticality and architectural presence. They make a striking statement when displayed on a mantelpiece, altar-style console, or used as floor-standing decorative objects, where their scale and detailing can be fully appreciated.
Brief Historical Note:-
Pricket candlesticks were designed to hold large candles secured by a central spike and were traditionally used in ecclesiastical, ceremonial, and formal domestic settings. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they were increasingly appreciated for their decorative qualities as much as their function.
French examples often incorporate religious or allegorical figures, reflecting the enduring influence of sacred art on everyday decorative design. Pieces such as these bridge the practical and the symbolic, offering both illumination and visual storytelling through form, material, and ornament.
Styling Suggestions:-
• Flank a fireplace, altar-style console, or sideboard to create instant symmetry and height
• Pair with a gilt mirror, dark oil painting, or devotional artwork for a quietly dramatic vignette
• Style with winter greenery, dried hydrangeas, or simple white florals to echo the patina and angelic detail
• Use as sculptural floor accents beside a doorway or at the hearth, especially in a stone or panelled setting
Explore Every Facet:-
Our high-resolution photographs let you examine this bench 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 angel panels, the paw feet, and the surviving traces of silver plate, along with the beautifully time-softened patina and areas of verdigris..
Sustainable Style:-
Thank you for considering this rare pair of antique French pricket candlesticks - 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.
measurements
Height to top of pricket: 79cm (31.1")
Base: Width / Depth: 18cm (7.1")
measurements
declaration
Whites Antiques has clarified that the Pair of Antique French Pricket Candlesticks with Angels & Traces of Silver Plate (LA557015) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being Early 20th Century