Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Parcel Gilt Go-to-bed Candlestick (1845)

An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique Victorian English sterling silver parcel gilt Go-To-Bed candlestick; an addition to our silver candlestick / candelabra collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver Go-To-Bed candle holder* has been realistically modelled in the form of a foot**. The anatomical silver foot is attired with a gilt sandal, accented with chased matte textured ornamentation reflecting the details of the fabric covering. The innermost toe (big toe/hallux) is subtly raised and supports a swept tapering column enveloped with leaf decoration. The column is surmounted with a waisted cylindrical capital. The ankle of this exceptional Go-To-Bed comprises a rounded match receiver. This antique sterling silver candlestick and match receptacle is fitted with an impressive tied rope twist decorated handpiece. The impressive and rare example of Victorian silverware incorporates a match striker to the sole of the shoe. The underside of the heel of this exceptional chamberstick bears the retailer's and maker's mark for the renowned silversmiths Elkington & Co, in addition to the 'lozenge mark' which certifies the patent of this piece on 21st August 1844 with the UK Patent Office. This exceptional antique silver Go-To-Bed candlestick is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire. Note: * A Go-To-Bed candlestick would be used during the process of getting into bed; including changing into bed clothes, turning down blankets and placing a bed stool. Within this period furnishings and interior design incorporates a large amount of linen, which is highly flammable, and the candleholder would be placed on the opposing side of the room to prevent an incident. As a solution, prior to snuffing the candle, a match would be lit and this would provide enough light to climb the stairs and close the bed curtains before burning out. ** This design is taken from a wedding anniversary gift from Queen Victorian to satisfy her husband’s fascination with electrotyping; many solid silver examples were made, and later porcelain examples in this design became available. This piece was designed by the Danish-born architect Benjamin Schlick, who influenced Prince Albert to visit Elkington's Birmingham premises. The lamp's design is based off an excavated lamp Schlick sketched during his time in the preservation and restoration of remains at Pompeii. The design was registered in 1844, by Benjamin Schlick for Elkingtons. Dimensions Length 13.9cm/5.5' Width 3.6cm/1.4' Height 5cm/2' Weight 3 troy ounces/93.2g Origin: Birmingham, England