Sconces - September 2020
Often people call me about their old upright piano and say “It’s even got those candlesticks on the front”. Of course, many of you know those “candlesticks” are in fact sconces.
Originally dating back to the days when there was no electricity, the candles would give enough light for the pianist to be able to read the music. Eventually they became more of an adornment rather than having any practical use. It is however still nice to see them on the pre-First World War instruments, as so often there are only the tell-tale filled up screw-holes where they once were. I have even seen sconces converted as wall light fittings!
I’m sure someone will find a use for the eleven pairs of sconces in our auction of the 29th September – even if it’s just to re-distribute them to owners of the pianos that find them missing!
Lot 13 - Piano Sconces
Eleven complete pairs of sconce es (piano candlesticks) plus incomplete and miscellaneous parts.
Estimate: £250 - 300
Result: £380
Sold in our September 2020 auction.