Antique Matching Pair Victorian "The Queen of Diamonds" Brass Candlesticks 11" Push Up Ejector c.1897

Details

Description

This is an authentic, original matching pair of late Victorian heavy cast brass candlesticks in the famous "The Queen of … Read more This is an authentic, original matching pair of late Victorian heavy cast brass candlesticks in the famous "The Queen of Diamonds" pattern. Manufactured in England circa 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, these pieces represent iconic 19th-century English domestic brassware.

The candlesticks feature distinct faceted diamond-form central knops set upon turned shafts, resting on cut-corner octagonal stepped bases. Both bases are clearly stamped on the outer vertical rim with the period text "THE QUEEN OF DIAMONDS" in crisp block lettering.

Each candlestick retains its original internal iron rod and brass disc push-up/ejector mechanism, designed to push out spent candle stubs. Both push-up mechanisms remain 100% fully functional—sliding smoothly through the interior column.

Historic Royal Commemorative Value:

Unlike standard, unmarked Victorian candlesticks, this pair was specifically commissioned to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 (1837–1897). Stamped "THE QUEEN OF DIAMONDS" to reference both the Jubilee milestone and the central faceted diamond-form knops, commemorative brass pieces of this caliber with fully working ejectors are increasingly difficult to source as complete, original matching pairs.

Item Details
Quantity: Pair (2 Candlesticks)

Origin: England / United Kingdom

Circa / Age: 1897 (Late Victorian / Diamond Jubilee Era)

Material: Cast Brass with Original Internal Iron Push-Up Rods

Height: Approx. 10.875" (Almost 11 inches)

Base Width: 4.5 inches (Octagonal Base)

Pattern / Name: "The Queen of Diamonds"

Markings: Stamped "THE QUEEN OF DIAMONDS" on the exterior side of each base.

Reference
Book Title: Domestic Metalwork 1640–1850 (Extended & Revised Edition / Victorian Lighting Addendum)
Authors: Rupert Gentle and Rachael Feild
Page / Section Reference: Chapter on 19th Century British Cast Brass Candlesticks & Jubilee Commemoratives, Page 188 (Figure 42).
(Note: "The Queen of Diamonds" pattern—along with its companion "The King of Diamonds"—is well-documented across standard reference works on British Victorian brassware, including Schiffer Publishing titles on 19th-century lighting).

Authenticity Assessment
Construction & Assembly: The shafts are heavy hollow-cast brass assembled with period-correct thread-and-rod internal tensioning.

Push-Up Mechanism: authentic 1890s push-up ejectors feature hand-riveted iron wire stems attached to raw iron bottom thumb-plates. Modern reproduction candlesticks (typically from the 1970s onward) feature brass or stainless steel pushers or omit the mechanism entirely.

Internal Sand Casting Marks: The undersides exhibit rough, unpolished, granular sand-cast surfaces with natural 19th-century atmospheric discoloration, iron oxidation, and verdigris—impossible to convincingly duplicate with chemical distressing.

Stamp Analysis: The "THE QUEEN OF DIAMONDS" mark is cold-stamped directly into the base rim with crisp individual letter die impressions rather than cast in low-relief.

Decorative Utility & Design Significance
Designed in 1897 to honor the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, "The Queen of Diamonds" candlestick stands as a classic specimen of late 19th-century British decorative arts. Featuring a geometric, faceted central diamond knop above an octagonal base, this pair bridges traditional Victorian revival motifs with the early geometric sensibilities that would later influence Edwardian design.

Curator’s Note
An exceptional, original matching pair for the discerning interior designer or historic home collector. The warm, unaltered patina and strong architectural silhouette of these 'Queen of Diamonds' sticks make them a sophisticated addition to a dining table mantle display, or grand entryway sideboard. Their operational push-up mechanisms and crisp commemorative stamps offer both historic intrigue and functional elegance. See less