4 Important Cast Candlesticks, 1816 by Wm Pitts

 This is a set of four very important silver-gilt Regency period candlesticks, made by one of the most prestigious specialist chasers and candlestick makers of the period: William Pitts.

William Pitts was the son of the Silversmith Thomas Pitts of James Street, London and he started working with his father in 1806. The firm initially specialised in making large epergnes, pierced baskets and other important large pieces of silver. William Pitts became one of the most pre-eminent chasers of the period and was a leading out-worker used by the Royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, with his work appearing on such items as the large, sideboard dishes supplied to the Prince Regent.

By 1816, William Pitts had begun to specialize in producing ornate cast candlesticks in the rococo style and decorated with animals, flowers, shells and scroll-work . He went on to work as a designer, sculptor and chaser for Paul Storr - the most important of all 19th century silversmiths.

These George III period candlesticks are superb examples of his work and represent the finest quality and workmanship of the early 19th century. They are cast and have a very hefty weight of 61 tr.oz. per stick and a total weight of 245 tr.oz.

The candlesticks are profusely chased all over with flowers, scrolls and shells. Eagle and lion figures appear on the stems, whilst dolphin, lion and dragon vignettes appear around the bases. The theme of the candlesticks is the 4 elements:

• The Eagle representing  air;

• The Lion representing earth;

• The Dolphin representing water;

• The Dragon representing fire.

Each candlestick bears an engraved crest discreetly located around the base and on top of each removable sconce nozzle. The crest is described as a tower argent issuant from the battlements a wreath of laurel all proper . The crest is ensigned with a Baron's coronet - see below for further information and provenance. 

The sconce nozzles are marked with different numbers of dots that correspond to the appropriate dots at the top of each candlestick – to ensure a perfect fit. One of the sconces nozzles is a replacement and is hallmarked for1969. It is a perfect match to the others and if it were not for the Carrington and Company hallmarks on it, you would not know the difference.

The condition of these four Georgian candlesticks is excellent with all the detailing crisp and sharp. The gilding is in superb condition throughout and is no doubt due to a good, thick original coating of gold.

PROVENANCE

The crest on these candlesticks belongs to General Sir Rowland Hill, 1st Baron Hill (1772-1842). The candlesticks would have been commissioned around the time of his second creation as a Baron in the Peerage of the United Kingdom in 1816.

General Sir Rowland Hill had a distinguished career in the British Army. He rose through the ranks following his personal successes at the Battle of Aboukir Bay, Battle of Talavera, the storming of Almaraz, Battles of Vittoria, Nivelle, Bayonne and finally at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. In 1828 he was appointed by King George IV to become Commander in Chief of the British Army; a post that held until shortly before his death in 1842. More information can be found on his Wikipedia page:- 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowland_Hill,_1st_Viscount_Hill

We have a full written report of the provenance that will be provided to the buyer of these candlesticks.

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