Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks — Baluster Column on Quatrefoil Base — Sheffield 1834, L P & Co — William IV

There are objects that belong on a table, and objects that change the table they are placed on. These are the latter.

The William IV period produced some of the most assured domestic silverware in the English tradition — neither the elaborate excess of the late Georgian era that preceded it nor the heavier ornament of the Victorian decades that followed, but a confident middle ground of clean form and considered proportion. This pair of candlesticks from Sheffield, hallmarked 1834, represents that moment at its most characteristic. The baluster column rises from a shaped quatrefoil base with reeded edge detailing, through a series of knop and collar turnings, to a flared cup-form socket with a scalloped removable nozzle. The overall line is tall, elegant, and self-assured — candlesticks that have no need to announce themselves.

Both sticks are loaded, as is standard for silver candlesticks of this period and construction — a practical measure that provides the necessary weight and stability for pieces of this height. The nozzles are removable for cleaning, each carrying its own partial hallmark sequence as struck at the Sheffield Assay Office.

The full hallmark sequence on the base of each stick comprises the maker's mark L P & Co, the lion passant confirming 92.5% sterling silver, the Sheffield assay office crown, the date letter for 1834, and the sovereign's head duty mark. Two pairs of shaped drip trays are included — one pair in silver-rimmed glass and one pair in plain glass — which appear to be later additions and are not period pieces, but are a practical inclusion.

Key Details

• Maker: L P & Co, Sheffield
• Hallmarks: Maker's mark (L P & Co), lion passant (sterling silver, 92.5%), Sheffield assay office crown, date letter 1834, sovereign's head duty mark
• Assay Office: Sheffield
• Date: 1834
• Period: William IV
• Material: Sterling silver, loaded
• Form: Baluster column on shaped quatrefoil base, removable scalloped nozzles
• Included: Two pairs of shaped drip trays (later additions — one pair silver-rimmed glass, one pair plain glass)
• Quantity: Pair

Condition
In very good condition consistent with age and careful use. The silver is bright and well-polished. No splits, repairs, or solder lines visible. Hallmarks are clear and fully legible. Normal light surface wear consistent with age. The nozzles seat correctly on both sticks.

Sheffield silver from 1834 does not often come to market as a matched pair in this condition — and those who understand what that means will not hesitate.