A fine pair of Charles II candlesticks, of unusual form and of exceptional weight for the time.<br /><br />

David Mitchell in his book, Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London (Woodbridge, 2017, pp. 265-267), prefaces his remarks about "D or ID in script monogram, in shaped shield" with the exclamation, "This mark is a problem!" The late Gerald Taylor attributed it possibly to Isaac Dighton, a conclusion with which Dr. Mitchell ultimately agrees.<br /><br />

Several items with Chinoiserie decoration bearing this mark, dating from between 1682 and 1685, are listed by Dr. Mitchell (p. 265). In addition, a pair of similarly flat-chased candlesticks with columnar stems, London, 1684, were sold at Christie's, London on 18 November 2008, lot 418. See also a similar pair of Chinoiserie candlesticks, again with the same maker's mark, London, 1686, sold at Christie's, London, 31 March 1971, lot 148.<br /><br />

Another pair of cast candlesticks with Chinoiserie decoration, part of a silver-gilt toilet service, formerly in the Swaythling collection, the majority bearing the maker's mark WE, a knot or riband above, London, 1683 was sold at Christie's, London on 15 May 1963. This service also included a pair of matching scent bottles bearing the D or ID in script maker's mark, London, 1687.<br /><br />

Provenance:<br />

Sold, Frank Partridge & Sons Ltd., New Bond Street, 17 June 1966.