An exceptional George III Candelabrum made in London in 1793 by Edward Fernell.
An exceptional George III Candelabrum made in London in 1793 by Edward Fernell.
374599
This very fine piece is modelled in the unusual Neo Classical tradition. The base is circular in form and is decorated with a domed bat wing fluted section, above an unusual band of fruiting, trailing, vines on a matted ground. The tapering main shaft is also decorated with bat wing fluting and vines, in addition to a band of acanthus spears. The tulip shaped socket is decorated with acanthus spears and also has a removable reeded circular drip pan. The twisted reeded acanthus leaf branches are decorated with bold beading and rise to reeded drip pans, with acanthus spears underneath. The central light has a detachable domed snuffer, with ball finial. The branches are made of solid sterling silver as is the base which is loaded with mahogany, to assure stability. Both the main shaft, branches and drip pans are all engraved with a contemporary Crest, this being of the Dickson family of Ireland. With regard to the markings, the candelabrum is fully marked on the base and on the socket of the branches. All of the drip pans are fully marked and the removable tulip shaped sockets bear the sterling mark. Edward Fernell is a scarce maker. He was a great exponent of bat wing fluting and unusual Classical decorative designs. His work is always of the finest quality in terms of design and production and this is shown with this piece. He was apprentice to the fine maker William Grundy and had workshops in Fetter Lane when this piece was made. His attention to detail is outstanding as he also decorated the underside of the drip pans, with acanthus spears, which is not seen on the table.
Height: 18 inches, 45 cm.
Length, across the branches: 17 inches, 42.5 cm.
Base Diameter: 6.1 inches, 15.25 cm.
Weight of the branches: 40oz.
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