Marks Antiques Mayfair, London A PAIR OF GEORGE III SILVER FOUR-LIGHT CANDELABRA RICHARD COOKE LONDON, 1802 The circular bases each engraved with coats-of-arms within drapery cartouches and borders of applied leaves and beading, the baluster stems applied with stiff foliage, each with detachable scroll branches complete with crested drip-pans and detachable nozzles Height 57.8 cm, 22 3 / 4 in, 10350 gr, 322 oz 15 dwt, the undersides engraved 'No.2' and 'No.4' and scratch weights respectively, '79.3' and '78.2' previous / home

Richard Cooke The arms are those of Wilkinson quartering Clennell with Spearman in pretence for Thomas Wilkinson of Coxhoe, Durham, who married about 1782 Hannah Elizabeth, daughter and coheir of Robert Spearman of Oldacres, co. Durham. Mr Wilkinson died in November 1825, when he was succeeded by his eldest son, Anthony, who was born in 1785. Richard Cooke, who was established in Carey Street near Lincoln's Inn Fields, appears to have been in business from about 1799. Arthur Grimwade, author of London Goldsmiths, 1697-1837, wrote of his work that it 'shows a high standard and he probably supplied one of the leading retailers, Rundell and Co. [i.e. Rundell, Bridge & Rundell], or Jefferys, Jones and Gilbert. Most frequently met with are tea-sets and entrée-dishes, with some good covered cups of semi-classical inspiration.'