This slender handmade hallmarked sterling silver candelabra branch is part of the 'Appetite' collection from JA Campbell Silversmiths. It has the double line motif which is part of the signature design theme of the contemporary 'Appetite' range.

The vast majority of candelabra produced are candlesticks with separate removeable branches so that the candlesticks can be used and supplied separately. The JA Campbell "Appetite" candelabra is no exception. Adding a branch to either a 6, 8 or 10 inch candlestick will increase the overall height by 2.5 inches.

The slender sophistication of a candlestick with a branch shows the inherent qualities of hall marked sterling silver at its best. Plain surfaces and curvaceous clean lines create that elegant simplicity that will delight. To delight, not just please a customer is something Designer and Silversmith John Campbell aims to do with every item that leaves his workshop.

In order to show retailers the quality difference John Campbell places a set of 3 candlesticks on the shop floor, puts a flat board across the top of them and climbs on it! Although John is only 11 stones in weight (they will stand much more) it proves that his silver candlesticks are of exceptional quality.

For those people interested in how we make this candelabra branch a brief description is as follows: 'Spinning' is the main method for making the 6 hollow components. 'Lost wax casting' is the method for making the arms. Spinning is an old method of producing round hollow objects from sheet material using a spinning lathe. This is done by coaxing a silver disc over a preformed shape known as a chuck using a polished steel burnisher inserted into a long wooden handle. The silversmith's skill here is to prevent a flat silver disc from buckling and creasing as it comes off the flat plane to become a hollow object. Once the pairs of spinning's have been lapped together to form the "capitals" (parts that hold the candle) a silver nut is soldered inside in order that they can be screw assembled and removed for subsequent cleaning.

The lost wax cast arms are then filed, pre polished and soldered to the centre using easy silver solder. At this stage in the making the item is punched with the makers mark, JAC in a triangle, the initials of John Campbell. It is then sent to the London Assay Office for testing of each and every component. Only if all the components prove to be better than 92.5% are the remaining hallmarks punched into the surface while being supported on a steel stake. The English hallmarking system is one of the oldest and best forms of consumer protection and dates back to the 1400s.

 The item is then returned to the silversmith's workshop where it is polished using 4 grades of compound to remove all the spinning lines, file marks, blemishes and slight scrape marks caused by the Assay Office tests. The branch is then cleaned to remove all traces of polishing compound trapped in inaccessible areas, assembled, checked and packed into the luxury JA Campbell presentation boxes.

Remember, the soft glow of candlelight will create an ambiance for that special meal. The slender sterling silver 8 inch candlestick fitted with a 2 light branch is an ideal combination. It has an overall height of 10.5 inches.

Candlesticks and candelabras were probably the most frequently used item of silver before the advent of electricity and so a huge number were made and also in a very wide range of styles. Today there are many styles still available; it is purely down to individual tastes. Whatever the occasion, a table set with a silver candelabra from JA Campbell will show your guests that you appreciate quality. Silver has become a subtle status symbol in recent years and provides a unique heirloom to hand down to future generations.

If you wish to give as a golden wedding present then these silver candelabra branches and candlesticks can be gold plated to suit the occasion or even made from gold.

In the unlikely event of damage JA Campbell provide a full repair service and you can be assured that all JA Campbell products are made up to a standard not down to a price. Nothing leaves the Brentwood workshop without the approval of John Campbell.  Future generations will delight in using these beautiful sticks and they will prove to be an ideal investment.

As with most things in life your silver will need occasional cleaning, this does not need to be a chore and can be quite therapeutic. It may need as little as a quick wash up, a 'buff up' to remove light tarnish, and then the occasional polish using silver cleaner such as Silvo.