Silver candlesticks were produced originally for holding candles as a light source before electricity. They were beautiful essentials at the time, and are rare treasures for collectors now. Antique silver candlesticks produced in America prior to 1800 are widely considered 'museum pieces' and are valued at thousands of dollars. English candlesticks are a little more prevalent, yet any crafted prior to 1700 are equally as valuable.

The large majority of silver candlesticks available as antiques are from the late 19th and 20th centuries. They command very high prices and are denoted by a hallmark--a stamp or name on the silver indicating its maker and origin. For example, four 12-inch 'Adam' style candlesticks on square bases from Hawkesworth & Eyres (hallmarked Sheffield 1911) could sell for as much as $10,000-$12,000 or more. Far less desirable, but still costly, are early 20th century German or Russian silver candlesticks that would go for about $2,000 if in good condition.

Candlestick Characteristics
Typically, candlesticks come in pairs. So, to truly qualify as antiques, both must have been manufactured roughly at the same time by the same silversmith. Two similar candlesticks, even if identical, made by different makers would not be considered a true pair.

Typical sterling silver candlesticks are constructed with a decorative raised column set on a square or circular base. Those different from this construction are less valuable, as a rule. Shorter, lighter candlesticks tend to be more valuable because they were produced that way only pre-1700. 12-inch, heavier sticks were popularized in the early 19th century--often characterized by a detachable nozzle to prevent hot wax from sliding down onto the holder's hand or the base.