Pair Of Sheffield Silver Plate Candlesticks, English Circa 1830

Further readings and sources:

1. The maker’s mark on the base of these candleholders features a cross atop a globe, a hallmark commonly found on Old Sheffield Plate items, reflecting a silver plating technique prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries. This particular mark is consistent with those attributed to Blagden, Hodgson & Company, a firm established on Nursery Street in Sheffield, England. Active in the early 19th century, Blagden, Hodgson & Company was ultimately incorporated into Hawksworth, Eyre & Co.

   The origins of Blagden, Hodgson and Company can likely be traced to Thomas Blagden, who registered a silver mark in 1798. By 1808, he was joined by additional partners, including Thomas Hodgson. Renowned for their superior Old Sheffield Plate offerings, the company faced a transition in 1832, seeking new partners, and by 1833, the dissolution of the business led to its absorption by Hawksworth, Eyre & Co.

   Given the brief production span of Blagden, Hodgson and Company’s items, these candleholders bear historical significance.

   For further details, consult Geoffrey Tweedale’s ‘Directory of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers, 1740-2022’ (3rd edition, forthcoming). ↩