Let’s talk metal

Happy Friday! This week’s auction circuit unfolded as a usual affair, lacking any particularly remarkable or extraordinary items. Many auction houses still have one more sale scheduled before the year-end break. It’s important to appreciate the tremendous effort that goes into every auction, including the acquisition of items, meticulous cataloguing, answering inquiries, and providing condition reports to potential buyers.
The world of antique buying and selling can be quite dynamic, especially for dedicated dealers. It’s a constant ebb and flow; there are days when you come across nothing of particular interest, and then there are moments when you stumble upon captivating pieces scheduled for sale, forcing you to make choices about what to acquire and what to pass up. Occasionally, you may even unearth an exceptionally rare find, setting off a thrilling pursuit to make it your own. The life of a dealer is filled with both highs and lows, always on the hunt for new treasures while managing the inventory they already have for sale.
Dealers are skilled jugglers, balancing numerous tasks simultaneously, but the satisfaction of finding that one extraordinary piece and making it your own makes it all worthwhile. As a dealer, I select items that I would be delighted to possess myself, living with them until I decide it’s time to pass them on to new owners who will appreciate them.
In my latest video, I showcase a variety of antique candlesticks, dating back to the period between 1550 and 1650. These candlesticks hail from German and European craftsmanship, and among the highlights are a pair of English trumpet-style candlesticks from 1660-1680, known for their rarity and desirability. Additionally, there are German and gothic slender stem candlesticks, almost 450 years old, from around 1550. The video also features two pairs of Queen Anne candlesticks from circa 1710.

Three centuries ago, candlelight was the primary source of illumination after nightfall, used by households of all economic backgrounds. The candles of that time were handcrafted from tallow and wax, emitting an unpleasant odour and producing dark, sooty smoke, in stark contrast to the clean-burning candles we use today.