George III Sterling Silver Chamberstick with Original Extinguisher

A fine and complete George III sterling silver chamber candlestick, hallmarked London 1777 by the silversmith James Jones.

Of circular form, the broad drip pan is raised on a moulded foot ring and enclosed by a finely worked continuous beaded border. The pan is richly engraved throughout with bold Rococo scrollwork, foliate sprays and floral medallions in the characteristic taste of the 1770s, incorporating a central armorial cartouche with the original owner's engraved monogram.

The central candle socket rises from a circular base with matching beaded collar, its shoulder engraved en suite with the pan. The elegant scroll handle, cast and applied, terminates in a shaped thumb-piece with foliate decoration; a charming and practical period feature.

The original conical extinguisher, stored on a bracket attached to the handle, is engraved with matching Rococo scrollwork and fitted with a beaded base ring and suspension loop, confirming it as original to the piece. The reverse of the pan bears a complete and crisp set of London hallmarks: maker's mark IJ for James Jones, lion passant (sterling standard, 925/1000), date letter b for 1777, and the leopard's head (London Assay Office). A Swiss import control mark is also present, indicating the piece entered Switzerland at some point following its manufacture.

James Jones is recorded as an active London silversmith from at least 1755, appearing in the standard reference works for the period. His work reflects the assured craftsmanship of the London trade at the height of the Georgian era.

Chamber candlesticks of this quality — with fine engraved decoration, original extinguisher and legible hallmarks — are increasingly rare to find complete and unrestored. This example is in very good original condition, with the expected light surface wear consistent with nearly 250 years of age.

Maker: James Jones, London Date: 1777 (date letter b, George III)

Standard: Sterling silver, 925/1000 Dimensions: Height 8.5 cm | Diameter approx. 17 cm

Literature:
Grimwade, Arthur G., London Goldsmiths 1697–1837: Their Marks and Lives, Faber & Faber, London, 1976 (3rd ed. 1990)
Jackson, Sir Charles J., English Goldsmiths and their Marks, 2nd ed., London, 1921 (repr. Dover Publications, New York, 1964)
Bradbury, Frederick, Book of Hallmarks, J.W. Northend, Sheffield (various editions)