An Exceptionally Rare Pair of George II Two-Light Rococo Candelabra
Silver London, 1739 Maker's mark of Benjamin Godfrey
Height: 41.2cm., 16 ¼ in. Weight: 4603gr., 148 oz
Both candelabra richly cast and chased, the domed shaped circular bases of rococo scrolling foliage incorporating three cartouches enclosing a coat of arms and two crests, the stems in the form of kneeling blackamoors, each with detachable two-light branches, the sconces supported on the heads of female caryatids, the drip pans each engraved with two crests above esquires' helmets and foliate mantling, the undersides with scratch weights: '40 - 19' and '39 = 9'
Artist Biography:
No records exist for the apprenticeship or freedom of Benjamin Godfrey. However, it is almost a certainty that he was under the employment of Abraham Buteux. Godfrey married Buteux's widow, Elizabeth, in 1732 and entered his first marks in the same year. He was recorded at the same address in Norris Street, Haymarket when his subsequent marks were registered in 1739 and 1741. Huguenot influence is evident in his fine plate, but rococo designs can also be found among his works. Elizabeth entered her mark alone, also in 1741, and is described as the goldsmith, silversmith and jeweller to the duke of Cumberland. It is not known if Benjamin worked with her after this date.