A RARE ENGLISH COPPER ALLOY OR LATTEN CANDLESTICK

A RARE ENGLISH COPPER ALLOY OR LATTEN CANDLESTICK

15TH CENTURY

the socket above a stem with a central knop and further turned decoration on a drum base with a shallow, dished top and banded decoration to the sides

12cm high

Catalogue Note

The term latten, which has medieval origins, is used to describe copper alloys from the late- and post-medieval period as they are neither true brass nor bronze.

For an analysis of discussion on the composition of the alloys used, see R Brownsword et al, 'Latten' Candlesticks in the Leicestershire Museums' Collection. This report also illustrated two candlesticks comparable to the example being offered here.

For other similar examples see:

Christie's, The Lear Collection of Socket Candlesticks, 15th December 1998, lots 35 36.

R. F. Michaelis, Old Domestic Base-Metal Candlesticks, p.41, figs. 25 and 26

E. Keldeweij, The English Candlestick, p39, cat 1-3..