Pair Of Solid Silver Torches +1442 G Papal City Avignon C.1760

Exceptional Pair of Louis XV period solid silver candlesticks from the Papal City of Avignon. Candlesticks resting on six-contour bases called "Arbalètes" with a molded ogee with double projection and plain throat. Throats engraved with a monogram (see photos) within a medallion. The ogee navel is encircled by a narrow plain band. Between the two hexagonal and molded collars, the three-sided sheath-shaped shaft is decorated towards the bottom with scrolls and shells topped with spatulated flutes with fillets. Each Torch has the Hallmark for AVIGNON c.1760 (A Crowned) and the Hallmark repeated twice by the Master Goldsmith Jean ROCHE or Joseph II ROUVIERE (in the Cassan reference book on the Goldsmiths of Avignon and Comtat Venaissin, page 7 shows a magnificent Pair of Salt Cellars with the same hallmarks). As explained by Cassan, no document or manuscript describes the master hallmarks, nor their own hallmarks indicating the city, several Goldsmiths having the same initials, we only have working hypotheses. This is regrettable given the quality of the pieces from this Papal City which was a real tax haven helping to attract the great Goldsmiths with moreover this very beautiful clientele composed among others of cardinals, ambassadors, rich merchants ... Exceptional Pair of Louis XV period candlesticks from Avignon in very good condition and remarkably hallmarked, beautiful quality of manufacture with the bases in cast silver (significant weight of + 1442 g), beautiful patina and micro-scratches of use. For informed collector ...

Max. height: 26.6 cm
Weight: 1442.8 grams