Mid-Victorian Burr Walnut Candle Stand with Fixed Arm
A rare mid-Victorian burr walnut reading and candle stand, dating to circa 1860–1870. Its finely turned structure combines a compact occasional table with an integrated candlestick supported on a fixed wooden arm.
Key Features
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English mid-Victorian candle stand, circa 1860–1870
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Circular top veneered in richly figured burr walnut
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Integrated candlestick supported on a fixed projecting arm
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Finely cut barley-twist central column
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Turned upper and lower baluster sections
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Carved tulip-form collar above the platform base
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Original segmented lead weighting concealed within the base
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Three carved scroll feet
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Compact chair-side proportions
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Finely carved gadrooned lower collar above a broad circular platform base, raised on three scroll feet that visually balance the slender column.
Full Description
This mid-Victorian burr walnut candle stand was designed as a practical chair-side table with its own dedicated source of light. The circular top provides space for a book, correspondence or a glass, while the candlestick is held independently on a fixed wooden arm beneath the top.
The projecting arm positions the candle beyond the edge of the tabletop, bringing the flame closer to a seated reader while keeping heat and wax away from anything resting on the surface. This unusual arrangement places the design between a traditional candlestand, a Victorian reading stand and a small occasional table.
The circular top is veneered in richly figured burr walnut and framed by a moulded edge that gives definition to its compact proportions. Beneath, the stand is supported by a particularly well-cut barley-twist column with turned baluster sections above and below the spiral.
At the base of the column, a carved tulip-form collar leads into the circular walnut platform. Concealed within the base is an original segmented lead-weighted ring. This lowers the centre of gravity and helps counterbalance the permanently projecting candle arm while giving the tall, slender structure greater stability.
The barley-twist turning draws upon 17th-century English furniture, while the burr walnut, scrolling feet and integrated candle arm place the stand firmly within the mid-Victorian period. It is an intelligently constructed design in which material, proportion and balance are equally important.
Explore further examples within our collection of antique tables, including Georgian, Regency and Victorian occasional furniture.
The wider history of these overlapping forms is explored in our article on Victorian candle stands, wine tables and reading stands.
Dimensions (Approx.)
Height: 74cm including the candle holder 88cm
Top diameter: 32 cm with the extended candle holder 40.5cm
Overall width including fixed candle arm: 40.5cm
All dimensions are approximate.
Materials
Burr walnut veneer, solid walnut and secondary timber, with traditional turned construction, slotted screws and a segmented lead-weighted ring concealed within the platform base.
Condition
The candle stand remains sound overall, with surface wear, marks, colour variation and finish disturbance consistent with its age and use.
The burr-walnut top displays areas of minor historic bubbling, minor veneer losses and surface marking. Age-related knocks, abrasions and shrinkage lines are also visible around the platform base and carved scroll feet.
The candle-holder fixing and the small loss at the junction between the tulip-shaped sconce stem and fixed arm have been sympathetically repaired. The arm is stable and the candle holder is fully functional.
These signs of age have been retained as part of the candle stand’s history and do not detract from its strong proportions, structural integrity or unusual design.
The photographs form part of the condition report.
Origin and Period
English, mid-Victorian period, circa 1860–1870.
Styling Suggestions
The tall, slender proportions make this Victorian candle stand particularly suitable beside a reading chair, library armchair or sofa. It could also serve as a compact occasional table in a study, bedroom or quiet corner where a conventional side table would appear too broad or heavy.
The fixed arm gives the stand a distinctive asymmetrical outline and should be positioned towards the chair, reflecting the way the candle holder was originally intended to be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was a Victorian candle stand used for?
It provided a small chair-side surface while elevating a candle to a useful height for reading, writing or needlework.
Does the candle arm rotate?
No. The candlestick is carried on a fixed projecting wooden arm designed to position the candle beyond the edge of the tabletop.
Why is the platform base lead weighted?
The concealed lead ring lowers the centre of gravity, counterbalances the projecting candle arm and gives the slender stand greater stability.
Why This Object Stands Apart
The interest lies not only in the figured burr walnut and finely cut barley-twist column, but in the relationship between the fixed candle arm and weighted base. Each element has a practical purpose, creating a compact piece of Victorian furniture designed to bring light and a useful surface directly beside a seated reader.
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