Antique Sheffield Plate Pair of Double-arm Wall Sconces, Sheffield, England, c. 1800

These exceptionally rare examples of antique Sheffield silver plate are exquisite. Classic shield shapes with bowed fronts create wonderful reflective surfaces which play with the candlelight. Engraved on the tops are lovely armorial devices of standing lions above ribbons with the motto 'IN EXCELSIS' meaning in the highest degree.

Bordering the shields are wonderful applied classical bands with leaf devices at the corners.

Protruding from the lower sections of the shields are platforms which hold the candle arms. The platforms are stamped '1' and '2' as are the original, removable candle arms.

Provenance: A private San Francisco collector.

These extraordinary wall sconces measure 8.25 inches wide by 11.5 inches tall. One drip pan has an old restoration and the surfaces have been beautifully resilvered. The backs have their original tinned surfaces and they are in very good/ excellent antique condition.