Anybody know this mark?

[flintlock]

Hello Everybody
I wonder if you could help identifying the mark shown in the photograph. It appears on each of a pair of candlesticks I inherited from my mother. The candlesticks are about 16 inches in height and each have only this mark on them there are no other marks I can see. I have no idea how old the sticks are or where my mother acquired them. Any comments would be gratefully received.
Thanks
http://www.flickr.com/photos/110998946@N08/11271596216/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/110998946@N08/11271586886/

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

The mark shown is not a maker's mark, but an engraved family crest.

Have you checked underneath for other marks?

Trev.

[flintlock]

Hi Trev
Thanks for the welcome and many thanks for the reply.
The bottom of the candlesticks are covered with green felt or baize which looks pretty old and well stuck on.
Do you think it's worthwhile trying to peel it off?
John

[dognose]

Hi,

It's a gamble. Your answer may lie there, but if they're nicely finished off, I'd think twice before disturbing them.

Trev.

[flintlock]

Hi
I've peeled back a little of the felt and the actual stick seems to have a narrow rim the whole base looks like it's been filled with lead, they are very heavy. The felt is nicely scalloped to fit the design of the stick it also seems pretty fragile so I think I'll leave it in situ rather than risk tearing it.
John

[dognose]

I think you have made the correct choice.

Such pieces often have been later weighted to add to their stability. In the 19th century the fear of fire was probably much greater than it is today as perhaps there may be little or no assistance in the event of such an occurrence, and thus every precaution was taken to increase the safety of such pieces.

Trev.

[flintlock]

Hi Trev
You say in your latest reply that "in the 18th century" etc. do you therefore think that the candlesticks date from around that time? As I said I don't know where my mother acquired them I don't remember them in the family home when I was younger so I assumed my parents bought them as new in the 70's 80's.
John

[flintlock]

Sorry Trev 19th not 18th!

[dognose]

Hi,

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that the sticks were 19th century, only that the practice of increasing the original stability was something that is sometimes found on earlier pieces. Without a mark, and only seeing images, it would only be guesswork I'm afraid.

Trev.

[flintlock]

Thank you Trev.
All the best
John