This classic, hallmarked sterling silver round candlestick is part of the 'Classic' collection from JA Campbell Silversmiths. This particular design dates from approximately 1740 and it is filled to aid stability and has a felt covered base to protect your table.

The truly classic Georgian design of this candlestick shows the inherent qualities of hallmarked sterling silver at its best.  'To delight a customer' is something Designer John Campbell aims to do with every item that leaves his workshop.

The production method below shows the level of skill required to produce these candlesticks.

There are 7 separate parts that go to make up this item, 4 of which are spinnings, 1 reinforcing rod, resin filling and green baize base covering. Each of these spinnings has between 4 and 8 (average 6) operations before it is finished so on each stick there can be an average of 24 operations on the spinning alone. They are very labour intensive!

Spinning explained: this is an old method of constructing round, hollow objects from sheet metal on a lathe and is particularly suited to relatively small quantities. It is often used in other industries, such as electrical, for the making of lampshades and also for kitchen utensils. On a metal 'spinning' lathe, rather like a heavy duty wood turning lathe, a solid model chuck of the item to be spun is made from either wood, resin, plastic, brass or steel. The material used depends on the length of the production run. In this case they are brass and one of the first set of 'chucks' John made when he started his business back in 1963.

A disc of silver is clamped to the chuck with the lathe tail stock and while the unit is revolving, the silver is spun/coaxed/wrapped around the chuck. This is done with the assistance of a polished steel burnisher fitted with a long wooden handle and a cocktail of lubricant consisting of soap and mineral oil. The silversmith has a set of these spinning tools in all shapes and sizes which he is expected to make himself during his apprenticeship. The handles on John's tools were made from an old railway shunters pole, more than likely ash wood.

As mentioned above, it can take up to 8 operations to complete some of the more complicated components and several 'anneals' making red hot to soften the work hardening silver. This process is similar for each of the 7 components which, once trimmed to size, are lapped together for sub assemblies.

The silver sheet used for the candlesticks is made by Cookson Precious Metals and starts life as 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% pure copper. This alloy is also known as sterling silver, the traditional English 925 alloy and to which most of the world has raised its standards to equal. The reason for the inclusion of 7.5% copper is not to cheapen, but to make the pure silver harder, for without this addition pure silver would be far too soft for general use. The 2 metals are poured or placed into a continuous casting machine where they are melted and mixed thoroughly. A port is opened at the bottom of the crucible through which the metal exits. Cooling and solidifying it is pulled through the exit at a controlled rate and then cut into manageable lengths. The dimensions of this ingot are about 9" wide by about 1" thick. It is then rolled in both directions to form stock sheet sizes of 0.5metre by 1 metre.

At this stage, the sheets are very hard through all the rolling and they must be' annealed' to soften in order that they can be worked by the silversmith. The sheets are loaded into steel boxes and placed in a furnace for about 12 hours and heated to 650 degrees C. Once they have cooled, they are removed from the boxes, cleaned and plastic coated for protection prior to stocking or dispatch.

At this stage, the article is punched with the makers mark, JAC in a triangle, the initials of John Campbell. It is then sent to the London Assay Office to be scraped and tested. Once a positive result has been received from the laboratory confirming that the article has been made with metal at least 92.5% pure silver, the remaining hallmarks are punched into the surface. This independent hallmarking process began in the 1400s and is one of the world's oldest and most secure forms of consumer protection.

Upon arrival back at our workshop, the hallmarks are inspected and 'set', that is to remove the dents put in by the punching process. Following this, the JA Campbell name punch is applied to the base. The sticks are then soldered together, pickled to remove flux and oxide and then put back on the lathe to be 'trued up'. They are then filled almost full with molten resin and when cooled a skim of Plaster of Paris is applied. Once the plaster has fully dried, (up to 2 days), the polishing process can begin.  First using coarse compound, moving up to medium and lastly a fine compound until the high polish associated with silver is achieved. Four grades are used and around 10 different operations employed.

Finally the green baize covering material is glued to the base and once dry, trimmed to size. The sticks are then packed into presentation boxes for stocking or dispatch.

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, it proves that these silver candlesticks are of exceptional quality.

Candlesticks 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 and materials. Today there are many styles still available; it is purely down to individual tastes. Whatever the occasion, a table set with silver candlesticks from JA Campbell will show your guests that you appreciate quality. If you wish to give them as a golden wedding present, these silver candlesticks can be gold-plated or even made in gold to match the occasion.

This classic, sterling silver round candlestick comes in 5 sizes, 10", 8", 6", 4", 2"; they can be sold singly or in pairs.

Remember, the soft glow of candlelight will create a memorable ambiance for that special meal. One more thing you can be sure of, a silver candlestick from JA Campbell is made up to a standard and not down to a price.