An important, and very unusual, set of four George II Rococo Cast Candlesticks made in London in 1740 by John Swift.
An important, and very unusual, set of four George II Rococo Cast Candlesticks made in London in 1740 by John Swift.
375469
The Candlesticks have a square stepped base, with incuse corners, and central sunken circular well. The base is decorated, on each side, with an unusual winged cherub, a feature very rarely seen on candlesticks from this period. The baluster shaped stems display most unusual foliate scroll work and beaded bands. This is a most unusual design to find at this date and the main shaft is also engraved with a contemporary Crest, issuing from a Duke's Coronet. The Candlesticks are in excellent condition, are of a very good weight, and are fully marked in the foot and with the sterling mark on the sockets. The candlesticks show an influence of French styles in their design. John Swift was an accomplished silversmith who had workshops in Noble Street when these candlesticks were made. A.G. Grimwade in "London Goldsmiths 1697-1837", states that John Swift's work was mostly confined to hollow-ware, with an attractive repertoire of Rococo and Chinoiserie motifs. The decoration is very crisp on all pieces which leads us to conclude that they have seen little use over the years.
Height: 7 inches, 17.5cm.
Base Diameter: 4.9 inches, 12.25 inches.
Weight: 70oz the set.
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.marycooke.co.uk/british-silver-1649-1759/an-important-and-very-unusual-set-of-four-george-ii-rococo-cast-candlesticks-made-in-london-in-1740-by-john-swift&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/marycooke-8876-Qfhef-OE67/stock/6888f6b0dc72b_image_url_vv67n.jpg&description=The Candlesticks have a square stepped base, with incuse corners, and central sunken circular well. The base is decorated, on each side, with an unusual winged cherub, a feature very rarely seen on candlesticks from this period. The baluster shaped stems display most unusual foliate scroll work and beaded bands. This is a most unusual design to find at this date and the main shaft is also engraved with a contemporary Crest, issuing from a Duke's Coronet. The Candlesticks are in excellent condition, are of a very good weight, and are fully marked in the foot and with the sterling mark on the sockets. The candlesticks show an influence of French styles in their design. John Swift was an accomplished silversmith who had workshops in Noble Street when these candlesticks were made. A.G. Grimwade in "London Goldsmiths 1697-1837", states that John Swift's work was mostly confined to hollow-ware, with an attractive repertoire of Rococo and Chinoiserie motifs. The decoration is very crisp on all pieces which leads us to conclude that they have seen little use over the years.Height: 7 inches, 17.5cm.Base Diameter: 4.9 inches, 12.25 inches.Weight: 70oz the set. ){kind=link}