Rare Pair of Empire Belgian Second Standard (.800) Silver Candlesticks, 1809-1813, by Henri Becker (1775-1815), Brussels, each of columnar form with a tapering standard with fluted acanthus calyx, surmounted by an acanthus capital candle nozzle and detachable bobeche, raised above a cavetto-domed circular base with acanthus dart banding, h. 11-1/4", dia. 5-3/4", 24.56 total t. oz.

Overall Condition: Fair. Numerous scattered bumps and dings, most notably on the bobeches and standards. One candlestick has a long, vertical dent at the seam, with a 1/4" split near the top; the other candlestick has a 1/2" split on the seam at the bottom. Both candlesticks have some dents around the base, making them slightly out of round and with a negligible wobble. Each marked (on the basal edge) with the French guarantee marks in use 1809-1819: 1) the second standard coq; 2) the assay office warrior with code "27" for the Dyle departement; and 3) the "B" with three pellets maker's mark of Henri Becker. The bobeches part-marked on the sleeves.