Flat Base (Baluster Form)

There are numerous ways to identify socketed Netherlandish candlesticks, the period that they were made, and what part of the Burgundian Netherlands they likely yield from. What might initially appear to be a complex endeavor, is actually relatively easy with a little practice and research.

First, let’s start with the candlestick base. Through the years, Burgundian Netherlandish Socketed Candlesticks, distinguished by their base, evolved into seven major forms – Tripod-base (±1350 to ±1425), Funnel-base (±1425 to ±1500), Squat-base (±1475 to ±1525), Flat-base (±1475 to ±1525), Capstan (±1525 to ± 1650), Mid-drip (Heemskerk) (±1525 to ± 1725), and Wasted-base (±1550 to ±1650). “±” indicates an approximately 25 year spread. There are numerous subsets within these forms, and each form can be further distinguished by other features typical of their respective form, which we’ll address hereafter.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

Flat-base, multiple knops (or blades) accompanied with a tear-drop or truncated tear-drop; funnel-shaped or hexagonal socket; rectangular or square aperture
This Flat-base example has two wafer-like knops with a center tear-drop knop which is ribbed. The socket is the classic funnel-shape typical of Flemish examples, with a circular aperture.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

This Flat-base example has two wafer-like knops followed by a tear-drop knop which is ribbed. The socket is the classic funnel-shape typical of examples, with a circular aperture.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

This Flat-base example has two wafer-like knops with alternating tear-drop knops. The socket is the classic funnel-shape typical of examples, with a rectangular aperture.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

This Flat-base example has three wafer-like knops - one on the upper most stem, one in the middle of the stem, and one on the lower section of the stem. The two tear-drop knops are inverted and are ribbed. The socket is the classic funnel-shape typical of examples, with a circular aperture.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

This Flat-base example has two wafer-like knops - one on the upper most stem, and one on the lower section of the stem. The two tear-drop knops are inverted and occupy the middle of the stem and are ribbed. The socket is the classic funnel-shape typical of examples, with a rectangular aperture.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

This Flat-base example contains a prominent tear-drop knops flanked by decorative features above and below the knops. The socket is the classic funnel-shape typical of examples, with a rectangular aperture.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

This unusual flat-base form has a prominent ribbed tear-drop knop, with a corrugated base leading to the stem. This example was found in the Bruge Sea and though encrustations are evident on the surface, the candlestick is like-new providing the collector the opportunity to see how fine this example is.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

This unusual flat-base form has a prominent ribbed tear-drop knop, with a corrugated base leading to the stem. This example was found in the Bruge Sea and though encrustations are evident on the surface, the candlestick is like-new providing the collector the opportunity to see how fine this example is. The socket is a very fine hexagonal variation typical of earlier Flemish candlesticks.

Flat-base (Baluster Form)

Identifying Candlesticks

Dating Candlesticks

Subscribe to Updates

© 2023 Netherlandish Candlesticks. All Rights Reserved.