1780-1810 Italian Silver Bougie Box Candlestick Hand Raised Fluted Form with Serpent Handle (150 grams) - 'Stoppiniera'

$1,000.00
A finely hand-made Italian or possibly Danish silver bougie box candlestick dating to approximately 1780. This elegant domestic lighting form features a lobed, vertically fluted body raised entirely by hand from heavy gauge silver sheet and finished with careful planishing that leaves subtle hammer evidence in the protected surfaces. Like numerous other Italian (e.g., Sardinian) examples, the form sits on a pedestal foot and retains its original removable lid with a flared rosette opening through which the candle would pass, allowing spare length to be coiled within the hollow interior. The candlestick is fitted with a distinctive forged serpent-form handle terminating in a small loop, a striking and somewhat unusual feature that adds both visual interest and functionality. The heavy gauge is typical of late 18th century hollowware. Both the body and lid bear the same small maker’s punch, consistent with workshop practice of the period, though no town or assay marks are present (marks are extremely small). The base also carries an old scratched notation reading “DANEMRK,” likely a later collector or dealer’s identification of the piece as being of Danish origin. Additionally, the piece shows an assayer's mark, sometimes called a tremolierstriche. Bougie boxes of this type were used as portable chambersticks, allowing the user to carry light from room to room while storing spare candle inside the container. Surviving examples from the 18th century are increasingly scarce, particularly those retaining their original lid and with unusual handle forms. Condition is good with a snug fitting lid. Conservatively, foot rocks ever so slightly and has a couple small dings that could be straightened. Dimensions: 4 1/8" H Weight: 150 grams Please see other mixed silver hollowware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=6783258 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
A finely hand-made Italian or possibly Danish silver bougie box candlestick dating to approximately 1780. This elegant domestic lighting form features a lobed, vertically fluted body raised entirely by hand from heavy gauge silver sheet and finished with careful planishing that leaves subtle hammer evidence in the protected surfaces. Like numerous other Italian (e.g., Sardinian) examples, the form sits on a pedestal foot and retains its original removable lid with a flared rosette opening through which the candle would pass, allowing spare length to be coiled within the hollow interior. The candlestick is fitted with a distinctive forged serpent-form handle terminating in a small loop, a striking and somewhat unusual feature that adds both visual interest and functionality. The heavy gauge is typical of late 18th century hollowware. Both the body and lid bear the same small maker’s punch, consistent with workshop practice of the period, though no town or assay marks are present (marks are extremely small). The base also carries an old scratched notation reading “DANEMRK,” likely a later collector or dealer’s identification of the piece as being of Danish origin. Additionally, the piece shows an assayer's mark, sometimes called a tremolierstriche. Bougie boxes of this type were used as portable chambersticks, allowing the user to carry light from room to room while storing spare candle inside the container. Surviving examples from the 18th century are increasingly scarce, particularly those retaining their original lid and with unusual handle forms. Condition is good with a snug fitting lid. Conservatively, foot rocks ever so slightly and has a couple small dings that could be straightened. Dimensions: 4 1/8" H Weight: 150 grams Please see other mixed silver hollowware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=search_shop_redirect§ion_id=6783258 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP