Funnel Base

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.

Funnel Base Candlesticks

Funnel-base (often stepped or wasted); one, two, three, four or five knops (or blades); funnel-shaped or hexagonal socket; rectangular, square or circular aperture
I believe this to be the earliest form of funnel based candlestick.  Features of this early form include a drum-like base without the graduated or bulbous steps found in later examples. Additionally, the low-walled wax-catcher too is an indications of a very early example. The socket is hexagonally faceted with a large aperture and the knop is "donut" form which is found on other early examples. One might confuse this example with an English candlestick of the same period, however, the aperture, underside treatment and faceted socket all point to a Netherlandish exemplar.

Funnel Base

This early example was likely made shortly after the previous example and has characteristics one would expect from a very early socketed candlestick - octagonal socket, Gothic aperture (circle above the vertical aperture), no knop, and a base that exemplifies the progression from the early "drum-like" base.

Funnel Base

This is another early example - approximately 25 years later than the previous example.  Notice the bulbous base skirt, along with the pronounced wax-catcher and the off-set socket to the stem and the blade knop.

Funnel Base

This unusual variation exhibits interesting features, including the crenelated socket and its bulbous single knop, which is found in early forms. There is a chance that this example could be Italian and additional research is being done to ascertain its manufacturer.

Funnel Base

This rare example has a faceted socket and a Gothic aperture. The knop is donut shaped and highly unusual.

Funnel Base

This rare example is a single cast, meaning it is cast in one piece. Typically, this is a German hallmark, however the socket has Flemish attributes such as the funnel-like socket. The base however, is very different from what one fines in your typical Flemish examples.

Funnel Base

Here we find an early two-knop example that exhibits the earlier form of knop as well as a "gothic" style aperture, having the a circle above the square. 

Funnel Base

This is a very fine example of a two-knop candlestick. The corrugated socket, large aperture, corrugated lower stem and defined base are beautifully crafted. Overall, an excellent example, and perhaps the finest example of a two-knop candlestick known.

Funnel Base

This water excavated example, aside from its encrustation, exhibits very fine features and must have found its way into the brink when new. The funnel-shaped socket is an excellent example of the classic Flemish socket form as are the bladed knops. This particular example was found in what was thought to be the moat of Eindhoven Castle.

Funnel Base

This excavated example is very similar to the previous example, though slightly smaller and likely a bit later. Like the previous example, it shows fine detail under the excavated patina.

Funnel Base

A very rare and fine example of a "Epiphany" or "Three Kings" example, having two sockets and a central pricket. It's base is well-defined step variation and contains perforations typically found in early pricket sticks, and very early socketed candlesticks.

Funnel Base

All "Epiphany" or "Three Kings" examples are rare, especially if they still have their original screw-socket, which this appears to have. Like the previous example, this also has two knops and a well-defined step base, but lacks the perforations found in the previous example. (I did not have the privilege of examining this example in person, though you can see that the base is original to the stem, but it's underside has been "tapped" in order to retighten the connection - you can see the "tap" marks where the stem in peened to the base). Special thanks to Nagel Auction of Stuttgart DE, for allowing me to use these photographs.

Funnel Base

This very fine four-knop example exhibits a pronounced stepped base, corrugated stem and robust wax-catcher. The socket, with it's corrugated top half, balances well with the stem. An excellent example overall and one which gives the viewer the impression of what a 15th Century candlestick would have looked like when new.

Funnel Base

This very fine four-knop example exhibits a pronounced stepped base, corrugated stem and robust wax-catcher. The socket, with it's classic Flemish top half, balances well with the stem. This example still maintains much of its original gilding, and serves as testament that examples were indeed gilded.

Funnel Base

When we compare this four-knop example with the previous example, we see that it is less defined with minimal base stylization. The socket is typical for a Flemish example, however it does contain a Gothic secondary aperture, just above the rectangular aperture.

Funnel Base

When we compare this four-knop example with the previous one, we see that it is less defined with minimal base stylization, and it serves as a good example of the varying types and quality of the period.  

Funnel Base

Five-knop examples of Funnel Base candlesticks are rare and are considered to be the last style of this form.  This example contains bladed knops with the center knop being slightly larger than the four other examples.

Funnel Base

This transitional example has a funnel base but baluster form stem typically found in later examples. The center teardrop knop has a bladed knop above and below it typically found in examples from the early 16th century.

Funnel Base

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