Antiques & 20th Century Collectables
James Dixon and Sons
Hallmarked Sterling Silver Antique Candlesticks
James Dixon & Sons Corinthian Column Sterling Silver Candlesticks
An excellent pair of late 19th century solid sterling silver candlesticks in neoclassical Corinthian style, made by silversmith James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield and of superb quality.
Very well defined Corinthian order column with acanthus leaf and scroll capitals upon fluted columns. Swept square bases with hand chased embossed floral scroll and leaf festoons with two lines of beaded borders to the rims and further lower lobed border. The removable sconce also has a very well defined bead decoration on the upper rim.
Each candlestick retains its original crisp hallmarked detachable push fit sconce, with matching identifying symbols struck to the sconce and inner liner of the capital of the main candlestick.
Full sterling English hallmarks on each base with only some rubbing to the upper left edge on one of the maker's stamps.
James Dixon Silversmiths
James Dixon silversmiths were established in 1806; registered as James Dixon & Sons between 1835 and 1920. They were located at Cornish Place, Sheffield and won several prizes for their exhibits in silver during the Great Exhibition of 1851. They were well known for making exceptional quality products and supplying to royalty. Amongst many notable commissions, they designed the blue ribbon trophy (fastest sea crossing of the Atlantic) in 1932, the American Master’s Tournament trophy and 'The Freedom Casket' for the emperor of Japan. Before their financial collapse in 1984 Harrods commissioned a silver jubilee centrepiece.
Height: 7” (17.5cm)
Base: 3 ½” (9cm)
Weight: An accurate weight for silver content cannot be provided as these candlesticks have weighted bases.
Hallmarks:
Standard: Sterling Silver
Assay office: Sheffield
Date stamp: 1896/97
Maker: James Dixon & Sons
Condition
There are no repairs, the corners remain undamaged and unworn, and all decoration is sharply defined; the beaded border and lobed border retain virtually all of their original definition.
They have been cleaned and hand polished and the old worn green baize to the bases have been replaced with fresh English 100% wool green baize (in keeping with the original). The silver has not been machine polished away, so they retain some signs of use, all commensurate with age.
There is a small ding to the underside base edge on one candlestick (picture 9). While not noticeable on display, the price has been adjusted accordingly. The overall condition is excellent and they make a fine pair of late 19th century genuine antique candlesticks.
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