Collectables

Before the days of electricity, candles were the main source of lighting in homes.

While the bedroom candlestick would be a fairly modest affair, the dining room candlestick in the better homes would be as ornate as the family purse would allow.

Any candlesticks from before the 1750s are rare simply because they weren't widely used before that date.

(A Queen Anne candlestick would easily fetch £1,000 at auction.)

Examples from the latter half of the 18th century onwards are increasingly common as the Sheffield silversmiths started specialising in candlesticks.

Their interest made candlesticks much more affordable.

Prices for candlesticks have stayed fairly level over the years despite the introduction of electricity, which is testament to the atheistic value of these pieces.

A pair of late 19th century brass candlesticks could be worth more than £100.

Made from metals such as brass or bronze, the most valuable candlesticks are those older ones, gilded with ormolu or with additional decorations such as glass drops or porcelain plaques.

Rare metals like gold and silver were also used, but the most common material for church sticks was probably brass.

For the Victorian householder, Sheffield plate and EPNS (electro plated nickel silver) were frequently cheaper substitutes for silver.

The silver imitations are reasonably collectable today.

A word of warning when buying candlesticks - they were usually made in pairs.

If you find a single stick at a car boot or auction, don't hold out much hope of finding its pair!

The wider use of candlesticks meant that candle extinguishers became popular in the 19th century.

Although, like the candlestick themselves they are basically functional, they can also be very decorative.

The oldest candles were made from tallow, a smelly concoction with thick wicks which needed trimming to prevent them curling over and spluttering in the candle fat.

The snuffer was needed to service and trim the candlewick.

Most snuffers are made of metal like steel, but some can be found with beautiful japanned decoration or even made from silver and gold.

True snuffers look like a pair of scissors with a box attached to catch the trimmed wick.

During the Victorian era, new candles were developed which could be blown out easily and with a plaited wick which burnt itself out so did not need trimming.

This 'snuffless candle' meant the candle extinguisher became even more ornamental.

Some looked more like pea-shooters and were used for blowing out bedside candles or the candelabra in the centre of a crowded dining room! These early remote controls were used mainly during the 19th century.

In Britain, Royal Worcestor and Minton were major manufacturers of candle extinguishers.

Their cone-shaped extinguishers were formed into small hollow figurines often of children, monks or women - usually in night clothes.

Electricity may be more convenient, but a pair of candlesticks or candelabra gives any table a feeling of luxury and any room a romantic atmosphere.

Collectables is compiled by experts at GB Antiques Centre, Lancaster Leisure Park.

The centre is open daily from 10am-5pm.