Pair of candlesticks 1745 - 1746

These candlesticks were made of silver by Thomas Gilpin in Philadelphia sometime in the mid-18th century. They would have begun as cast forms, likely made by pouring molten silver into molds, a fairly efficient way to create the basic shape. But it’s the chasing and engraving where the real labor is evident. Look at the incredible detail in the relief decoration, achieved through careful hammering and incising of the surface. These candlesticks reflect a growing merchant class in colonial America, eager to emulate European tastes. Silver objects like these, were not just functional, they were potent symbols of wealth and status. Owning such pieces signified not just affluence but also a participation in a broader transatlantic culture of luxury and refinement. So, the next time you see an object like this, remember that it represents much more than just a pretty shape. It embodies a complex interplay of skill, material, and social aspiration.