A beautiful pair of George II sterling silver candlesticks with marks for London, 1743, Elizabeth Godfrey (active from 1741 to 1762). This beautiful pair of candlesticks is a rare example of her early work
A remarkable silversmith in her own right, Elizabeth Godfrey rose to prominence at a time when female silversmiths were offered less avenues than their male counterparts- they were not given formal apprenticeships, and only succeeded the business upon their husband’s passing.
Elizabeth Godfrey would secure the Duke of Cumberland as one of her patrons, and her work is in several museums including the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
This particular crest, depicting a stag’s head cooped is that of the Raper family; specifically that of Matthew Raper (1741-1826), a wealthy aristocrat and member of the Royal Society; his fields of study were diverse, including astronomy and Greco-Roman coinage of antiquity.
Price marked at $27,500 AUD the pair.
Case Measurements: One candlestick measuring 655.1 grams, the other 660.5 grams. Total weight 1315.6 grams. Cadlesticks 12.5cm base diameter, 23cm height.
Very good antique condition, with historical repair to underside of one babiche as pictured. Otherwise light wear overall commensurate with age. Marks legible.
