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Candelabra

Derived from the Latin word "candelabrum," meaning candlestick, the term candelabra refers to a large branched candleholder with two or more arms. By the 19th century, candelabras were commonplace on the evening dinner table and had become a showcase for decorative arts of the time.

Pressed-glass candlesticks were common in the urban hubs of 19th-century America. In England, potteries such as Wedgwood produced enameled porcelain and Jasperware candlesticks, while designers like Georg Jensen of Denmark made modernist pieces out of sterling silver. The most ornate varieties were girandoles, which refer to a Rococo style candlestick or candelabra whose branches incorporated dripping cut-glass crystal used to scatter light throughout a room.

Candelabras were eventually replaced with oil lamps and later the incandescent bulb, but antique candelabras are still highly coveted artifacts.


Quick Facts

  • In the Jewish faith, a Menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum used in the temple and a Hanukiah is a nine-branched candelabrum used for the festival of Hanukkah
  • Liberace, a flamboyant pianist who came to wide-spread popularity during the 1960s and 70s, always played with a candelabrum resting on top of his piano
  • In Paracus, Peru, there is a giant carving of a candelabra in a seaside cliff used by the indigenous population who lived in the area from 1300 BC to 200 CE

Recommended Items at Auction

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Paar barocke Leuchterengel, um 1720, Holz, neuere Fassung, Altersspuren, 48 x 26 x 23 cm / Pair of b
Feb 22, 10:00 AM CET
Paar barocke Leuchterengel, um 1720, Holz, neuere Fassung, Altersspuren, 48 x 26 x 23 cm / Pair of b
by Auktionshaus Mars
Est: €0- €0
€1206 Bids
A FRENCH EMPIRE PAIR OF FIRE-GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE CANDELABRAS WITH WINGED FIGURAL LADIES
Feb 28, 10:00 AM CET
A FRENCH EMPIRE PAIR OF FIRE-GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE CANDELABRAS WITH WINGED FIGURAL LADIES
by Ostantix Auctions
Est: €400- €500
€4405 Bids
Art Nouveau twin arm pewter candle holder, Height 34cm
Mar 02, 7:00 PM AEDT
Art Nouveau twin arm pewter candle holder, Height 34cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD400- AUD600
AUD454 Bids
2 Lynn Chadwick Bronze Candlesticks
Mar 01, 12:00 PM EST
2 Lynn Chadwick Bronze Candlesticks
by Palm Beach Modern Auctions
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$2,6004 Bids
Pair of silvered metal and glass candle holders with stag motif (47 x 23cm)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
Pair of silvered metal and glass candle holders with stag motif (47 x 23cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD354 Bids
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LARGE CAST METAL VINTAGE CANDELABRA
Feb 20, 9:00 AM AEST
LARGE CAST METAL VINTAGE CANDELABRA
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD203 Bids
Pair Of Large Victorian Style Candelabras With Marble Bases And Gold Wash 11"X11"X26.5"
Mar 01, 10:00 AM EST
Pair Of Large Victorian Style Candelabras With Marble Bases And Gold Wash 11"X11"X26.5"
by Swisher Bros. Auction
Est: $0- $0
$153 Bids
PR ROBERT JARVIE (IL/NY, 1865-1941) ALPHA CANDLESTICKS
Feb 23, 11:00 AM EST
PR ROBERT JARVIE (IL/NY, 1865-1941) ALPHA CANDLESTICKS
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $500- $700
$1252 Bids
Georgian style turned timber torchere with ball & claw feet (133 x 50 x 50cm)
Feb 20, 10:00 AM AEDT
Georgian style turned timber torchere with ball & claw feet (133 x 50 x 50cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD352 Bids
A pair of silver plated candlesticks. H 18cm
Mar 09, 6:00 PM AEDT
A pair of silver plated candlesticks. H 18cm
by The Auction Club
Est: AUD0- AUD0
AUD52 Bids
A Pair of French Art Deco Candelabra
Feb 20, 10:00 AM PST
A Pair of French Art Deco Candelabra
by Abell Auction
Est: $700- $1,000
$4502 Bids
A Pair of Free Standing Brass Seven Light Candelabra, electrified
Feb 23, 2:00 PM AEDT
A Pair of Free Standing Brass Seven Light Candelabra, electrified
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD1202 Bids
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3 Floor Candlesticks
Mar 11, 10:00 AM EDT
3 Floor Candlesticks
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $100- $200
$401 Bid
PAAR SCHWEDISCHE MID CENTURY SILBERLEUCHTER. TORE ELDH, GÖTEBURG.
Feb 26, 1:00 PM CET
PAAR SCHWEDISCHE MID CENTURY SILBERLEUCHTER. TORE ELDH, GÖTEBURG.
by Auktionshaus Wendl
Est: €0- €0
€901 Bid
A cast brass candlestick formed from a Victorian o…
Feb 24, 9:00 AM GMT
A cast brass candlestick formed from a Victorian o…
by Claydon Auctioneers
Est: £50- £80
£501 Bid
Pair of English Brass Tavern Candlesticks
Feb 28, 10:00 AM EST
Pair of English Brass Tavern Candlesticks
by Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
Est: $200- $400
$1001 Bid
HERMES PARIS - A SET OF FOUR FRENCH SILVER-PLATED CANDLE HOLDERS
Feb 28, 10:00 AM CET
HERMES PARIS - A SET OF FOUR FRENCH SILVER-PLATED CANDLE HOLDERS
by Ostantix Auctions
Est: €250- €300
€2201 Bid
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Designer Candle Holder
Mar 11, 10:00 AM EDT
Designer Candle Holder
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $75- $125
$251 Bid
Pair of Spanish silver candlesticks, Matilde Espuñes, grade 916, 20th century
Feb 26, 5:00 PM CET
Pair of Spanish silver candlesticks, Matilde Espuñes, grade 916, 20th century
by Ansorena
Est: €150- €200
€1001 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Candelabra


Veilinghuis Van Spengen

Veilinghuis Van Spengen

Auction Plus, Inc.

Auction Plus, Inc.

Auktionshaus Wimberger

Auktionshaus Wimberger

Templum Fine Art Auctions

Templum Fine Art Auctions