Gilt & Blue Enamel Candlesticks: Age & Style/Culture?

First, there is no inkwell.

I have only had these maybe 15 years...and do not recall how I acquired them. I do remember being largely attracted to the enameled parts for their color, so close to Persian Turquoise.

The typewritten 'provenance' attached the base of one of them is interesting...but I've done nothing in the way of research about its contents, or about these as candlesticks. They are made in sections, threaded together. I will attempt to determine more about this, including thread pitch & diameter, which may help locate their place of manufacture, whether European or American. I'll be surprised to find their age is as stated in the note; I don't see anything like 200 years in them.

The gold coloring may be a wash, but it seems almost brush-applied...and there are many places where it is either worn away, or discolored in a manner that true gold, even thinly done, would not allow.

Look 'em over, folks...I'm eager to hear your assessments!

 

I'm curious to know if the story could be true. I can't say that I'm seeing that kind if age in the enameling.. looks more deco-ish to me but I could certainly be wrong.

 

Agree with @moreotherstuff I can't see these being that old. There is machine lathe turning on the bases where the threaded rod comes through. The style has a bit of the Secessionist about it, so I suspect late 19th or early 20th century and the construction fits this time point. The gold looks ok to me, gilt brass or gilt bronze can look like this. Overall they are nice pieces even if they don't have anywhere near the age they are suggesting.

It is always really interesting to see pieces with wild attributions, and it's fun to try and determine if it's an honest mistake or some a long lost bounder trying to pull a fast one.

 

My first impression was Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) of the linear type. So Secessionist, Viennese 'Jugendstil' is certainly an option.

I would gladly have them sitting on my window sill.

 

They are uncleaned, cups full of wax, etc.

I'll begin the process and, if reasonably successful, post results here. I'll be gentle, not to worry...

"The gold looks ok to me, gilt brass or gilt bronze can look like this."

Thanks...that is comforting!