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Glass Candelsticks & Candelabra

The fleeting flicker of a candle's flame as it is nestled into a candlestick or candelabra is a timeless and tantalizing feature of an evening dinner table. When those candelabra are honed from crystal or cut glass, the allure is amplified as the glass reflects the flickering flame to create a dazzling play of light.

While such elegant candlesticks might seem commonplace today on the well-set table, they were considered a dining table innovation in centuries past. The candle as we know it today first appeared in ancient Rome in the 6th century B.C. During these early days, candles were relegated to ceremonial functions, but as time progressed, the potential of the candle was realized. By the peak of the Middle Ages, candles had become popular, if not essential, across much of Europe. Thus, the necessity of the candlestick was born, and over subsequent generations, so too did the demand for increasingly elaborate and elegant candelabra options for the aristocratic and regal classes.

In addition to elegant porcelain options, crystal and cut glass candlesticks and candelabra became the favorites of Europe's royal houses. Some makers, such as Belgian company Val Saint Lambert, continue to create designs for royalty today. Others, such as Tiffany, have expanded into elegant yet more affordable crystal candlesticks, which make for ideal wedding or housewarming gifts. Regardless of price point, antique and vintage crystal and cut glass candelabra are a brilliant complement to any refined table.


Quick Facts

  • Though the Romans gave us the first of what we call a candle, evidence tells us that the Chinese were experimenting with a type of candle made from whale fat as early as the 3rd century A.D.
  • The name "candelabra" originates from the old French word "chaundelabre," which roughly translates as "candle tree"
  • A pair of rock crystal and gilt-copper candlesticks sold for a record price at Christie's London in 2002. Created by an Italian craftsman in the 18th century, the pair sold for $203,677

Recommended Items at Auction

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A pair of glass candle holders together with a set of seven raised tealight holders
Jul 15, 7:00 PM AEST
A pair of glass candle holders together with a set of seven raised tealight holders
by Lawsons
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD305 Bids
Hans-Agne Jakobsson, brass & glass candle votives
Jul 17, 10:00 AM EDT
Hans-Agne Jakobsson, brass & glass candle votives
by Millea Bros Ltd
Est: $200- $300
$3503 Bids
A pair of tall glass candlesticks, Height 50cm x Diameter 13cm
Jul 15, 7:00 PM AEST
A pair of tall glass candlesticks, Height 50cm x Diameter 13cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD253 Bids
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3 kl. Leuchter, blaues Glas, um 1870, H-9 cm
Aug 01, 12:00 PM CEST
3 kl. Leuchter, blaues Glas, um 1870, H-9 cm
by Auktionshalle Cuxhaven
Est: €0- €0
€102 Bids
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3x div. Pressglas-Leuchter, farbig, ca. H-18,5 bis 15cm
Aug 01, 12:00 PM CEST
3x div. Pressglas-Leuchter, farbig, ca. H-18,5 bis 15cm
by Auktionshalle Cuxhaven
Est: €0- €0
€51 Bid
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3x ältere Pressglas-Leuchter, farblos, ca. H-18,5cm
Aug 01, 12:00 PM CEST
3x ältere Pressglas-Leuchter, farblos, ca. H-18,5cm
by Auktionshalle Cuxhaven
Est: €0- €0
€51 Bid
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4x Leuchter, Kristall, ca. H-22cm
Aug 01, 12:00 PM CEST
4x Leuchter, Kristall, ca. H-22cm
by Auktionshalle Cuxhaven
Est: €0- €0
€101 Bid
PR. SANDWICH CLAMBROTH CANDLESTICKS
Jul 20, 11:00 AM EDT
PR. SANDWICH CLAMBROTH CANDLESTICKS
by Americana Auctions
Est: $200- $250
$1001 Bid
Lot of 20 Swan Salts, Figures and Candle Holders
Aug 14, 11:00 AM EDT
Lot of 20 Swan Salts, Figures and Candle Holders
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $50- $100
$101 Bid
Eichholtz, Sierra candleholders, set of three
Jul 15, 10:00 AM PDT
Eichholtz, Sierra candleholders, set of three
by Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$1001 Bid
A pair of Continental glass five-light candelabra
Jul 29, 10:00 AM PDT
A pair of Continental glass five-light candelabra
by John Moran Auctioneers
Est: $700- $900
$3501 Bid
Two silver lustre glass candleholders
Jul 28, 10:00 AM AEST
Two silver lustre glass candleholders
by Gibson's
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD801 Bid
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Pair Of Metropolitan Museum Of Art Candle Holders
Jul 17, 10:00 AM EDT
Pair Of Metropolitan Museum Of Art Candle Holders
by Berner's Auction Gallery
Est: $10- $10,000
$11 Bid
PR. SANDWICH VASELINE CANDLESTICKS
Jul 20, 11:00 AM EDT
PR. SANDWICH VASELINE CANDLESTICKS
by Americana Auctions
Est: $150- $200
$700 Bids
2 SANDWICH GLASS COLORED CANDLESTICKS
Jul 20, 11:00 AM EDT
2 SANDWICH GLASS COLORED CANDLESTICKS
by Americana Auctions
Est: $200- $250
$1000 Bids
2 SANDWICH GLASS CANDLESTICKS
Jul 20, 11:00 AM EDT
2 SANDWICH GLASS CANDLESTICKS
by Americana Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids
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BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE GLASS BOBECHE CANDLESTICK
Jul 15, 8:00 AM PDT
BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE GLASS BOBECHE CANDLESTICK
by Scollard Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$800 Bids
Swedish MCM Art Glass Candlestick Holder Pukeberg
Jul 26, 11:00 AM EDT
Swedish MCM Art Glass Candlestick Holder Pukeberg
by Kavanagh Auctions
Est: $50- $50,000
$500 Bids
Pair of Two-Light Landscape Engraved Clear Glass Candelabra, 19th Century
Aug 02, 9:30 AM EDT
Pair of Two-Light Landscape Engraved Clear Glass Candelabra, 19th Century
by Rafael Osona Auctions
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
Pair of Venetian Glass Candle Holders
Jul 22, 11:00 AM EDT
Pair of Venetian Glass Candle Holders
by Akiba Galleries
Est: $50- $500
$250 Bids
3 SANDWICH GLASS CANDLESTICKS
Jul 20, 11:00 AM EDT
3 SANDWICH GLASS CANDLESTICKS
by Americana Auctions
Est: $100- $150
$500 Bids
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Vintage clear glass ribbed finish candle holder
Jul 15, 7:00 PM EDT
Vintage clear glass ribbed finish candle holder
by Omni Auction Corp
Est: $20- $30
$60 Bids
Pair Iittala Timo Sarpaneva FESTIVO Candlesticks
Jul 26, 11:00 AM EDT
Pair Iittala Timo Sarpaneva FESTIVO Candlesticks
by Kavanagh Auctions
Est: $50- $50,000
$500 Bids
Fulvio Bianconi. Portacandele cilindrico
Jul 15, 3:00 PM CEST
Fulvio Bianconi. Portacandele cilindrico
by Incanto Auction House
Est: €800- €1,000
€8000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Glass Candelsticks & Candelabra


Americana Auctions

Americana Auctions

Auktionshalle Cuxhaven

Auktionshalle Cuxhaven

Lawsons

Lawsons

Akiba Galleries

Akiba Galleries