Candlestick
Date1764
MediumSterling silver
Dimensions10 × 4 1/2 inches (25.4 × 11.4 cm)
MarkingsHallmarks on the bottom: E [dot] C in rectangle with cut corners; lion passant in shield; crown leopard; Gothic I in shield
Credit LineBequest of Margaret Gray Thomas.
Object numberOT1951.12.1.a-.b
CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextA pair of George III cast sterling silver candlesticks with removable bobeches descended through the Wallace, Owens and Thomas families, and still reside in the Owens-Thomas House. The maker, Ebenezer Coker, was active in London from 1738, and died in 1783. His chief productions were candlesticks and salvers.
In the mid 18th century, when these candlesticks were made, most houses were lit by a combination of candles and whale oil lamps. By the mid-19th century, gas lighting was common in urban homes. Candlelight was still used for many ordinary activities throughout the 19th century, from dining and playing cards to cooking, particularly in areas where there was no gas. In the drawing rooms and dining rooms of the wealthy, candelabra were often positioned on the mantlepiece in front of a pier glass mirror; sconces were also common and on the tables there were oil lamps, candlesticks and candelabra, often in addition to gasoliers above. By the turn of the century, electric light eclipsed all other forms of illumination. Long after gas and electric lights became prevalent in the home, and still today, candles have burned for decorative, ceremonial, and emergency purposes.
