antique pair ormolu verde antico marble candelabra c.1860

This is a beautiful antique pair of highly decorative late 19th Century French green "verde antico" marble and gilded ormolu ovoid three-light candelabra, C 1860 in date.

The branches and sconces are superbly cast as roses, with decorative twin handles to the sides, and raised on acanthus and fruiting laurel socles.They will add a touch of elegance to a special place in your home.Condition:In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.Dimensions in cm:Height 46 x Width 13 x Depth 13Dimensions in inches:Height 1 foot, 6 inches x Width 5 inches x Depth 5 inches
Our reference: 07669
Ormolu -(from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-caratgoldin amercuryamalgamto an object ofbronze.The mercury is driven off in akilnleaving behind a gold-coloured veneerknown as'gilt bronze'.The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding orfire-gilding, in which a solution ofnitrate of mercuryis applied to a piece ofcopper,brass, or bronze, followed by the application of anamalgamof gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.No true ormolu was produced in France after around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury. Therefore, other techniques were used instead but nothing surpasses the original mercury-firing ormolu method for sheer beauty and richness of colour.Electroplatingis the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used onsilver, to producesilver-gilt(also known asvermeil).

Width (cm):

13

Height (cm):

46

Depth (cm):

13

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

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Regent Antiques Limited

We are one of the UK's premier furniture dealers and have been trading in London for three decades. We specialise in English and Continental furniture, silver, porcelain, and decorative items both antique and contemporary. We exhibit our collection in classy showrooms in our large warehouse very close to the centre of London.

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