Britannia Silver George I Pair of Candlesticks Paul De Lamerie, c.1716

An extremely desirable pair of antique silver candlesticks by the celebrated Paul de Lamerie. Dated George I, London, 1716, bearing de Lamerie's first mark, they are just 6 ½”/16cm in height. 1st Owner: Spencer Compton (Speaker of the House of Commons and Prime Minister) 2nd Owner: Sir Francis Dashwood (The Hellfire Club) This fine pair of candlesticks has plain square bases with inset concave corners; the stems have circular lower knops and upper stepped octagonal knops and plain circular sconces. Paul de Lamerie was a Huguenot who came to London in the late 17th century. He was apprenticed to Pierre Plattel in 1703 and entered his first mark in 1713. He was the outstanding silversmith of his generation.