FAIR Buyer Preparation Guide

How to Count Weighted Sterling Candlesticks or Candelabra for Appraisal

Direct answer

To count weighted sterling candlesticks or candelabra for appraisal, count the bases first, then count assembled light positions, detachable arms, bobeches, nozzles, missing fittings, and weighted-construction wording separately. Do not describe the group as a pair or complete candelabra until the parts are laid out and checked.

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How to Count Weighted Sterling Candlesticks or Candelabra for Appraisal - FAIR online appraisal guide illustration
How to Count Weighted Sterling Candlesticks or Candelabra for Appraisal - FAIR online appraisal guide illustration
Decision guide

When a formal appraisal is worth it

Use the purpose of the value first. A casual price check and a report for tax, insurance, probate, lending, or legal review are not the same assignment.

When a formal appraisal is worth it
Situation Formal appraisal? Why it matters
Personal curiosity or early sorting Not always Start with identification, photos, and rough triage before paying for a formal report.
Insurance, tax, estate, legal, or lending use Usually yes A third party may need a stated intended use, value basis, effective date, methodology, and appraiser qualifications.
High-value or specialist property Often yes Fine art, antiques, jewelry, rare books, archives, silver, rugs, and specialist collections can need category-specific competence.
Next step

Turn the guide into a shortlist.

Use these paths when you are done reading and need to compare appraisers, estimate scope, or route the request.

Search the FAIR directoryCompare public profile signals, service area, specialty fit, and fee transparency before outreach.Ask for a FAIR matchUse Match when the category, location, report purpose, or specialist boundary is unclear.Estimate appraisal costOrganize item count, report purpose, inspection needs, and timing before asking for a quote.
Define the lighting group

Candlesticks and candelabra are often misnamed at intake. Start with what is physically present.

  • State whether you have one stick, a pair, a garniture, or candelabra with detachable branch assemblies.
  • Count each base separately.
  • If a stick converts into a multi-light candelabrum, note both the base form and assembled form.
  • Use plain labels such as left base, right base, detached top A, or loose arm B.
Count light positions

Branch count means candle positions, not how full the silhouette looks.

  • Count the total candle positions each base supports when fully assembled.
  • Include the center socket when present.
  • Write the assembled light count for each base separately.
  • Do not average mismatches. If one base has three lights and the other has two, state that.
Count fittings separately

Bobeches, nozzles, wax cups, and sleeves are often lost or replaced. They should not disappear into the branch count.

  • Count every bobeche separately.
  • List loose nozzles, socket liners, wax cups, and conversion sleeves as accessories.
  • Note which candle position has a missing or mismatched fitting.
  • Separate original-looking fittings from household add-ons.
Track missing arms and loose parts

A candelabrum can look complete from one angle while missing an arm or center fitting.

  • Count every detachable arm that survives.
  • Photograph empty mounts, open threads, or vacant sleeves.
  • List center sockets, finials, caps, and hubs when stored off the base.
  • If it cannot be assembled safely, lay out the parts and say it is currently disassembled.
Record weighted and mismatched construction

Weighted sterling lighting often mixes original, repaired, and replaced components. Keep that visible.

  • Record wording such as weighted, reinforced, loaded, filled, or cement filled.
  • If arms, sockets, or bobeches carry marks different from the base, note that.
  • Separate clearly plated replacements from sterling components.
  • Tie lean, wobble, crushed loaded feet, or loose tops to the exact base.
Send a count sheet

FAIR needs a simple parts map to scope the file correctly.

  • Use columns for base label, assembled light count, fittings, detachable arms, missing parts, and weighted notes.
  • Attach one assembled group photo, one laid-out parts photo, and mark close-ups.
  • State the intended use: insurance, estate, probate, donation, sale review, or silver triage.
  • Attach prior appraisals or receipts if they mention branch totals, detachable tops, or missing arms.
Common questions
  • How do I count candlesticks with detachable three-light tops? Count the bases first, then state that each base converts to a three-light candelabrum when the top is installed.
  • Do bobeches count as branches? No. Branches are candle positions. Count bobeches separately as removable fittings.
  • What if one arm is missing? Record the surviving arm count, the missing arm, and photograph the empty mount.
  • Should weighted wording be listed? Yes. Weighted, reinforced, loaded, or filled wording helps FAIR understand the construction.
  • What if the pair is not exact? Count each base separately and note differences in height, marks, branch structure, engraving, or construction.
  • What final note helps FAIR most? State the number of bases, the assembled light count for each base, loose fittings, surviving arms, and missing parts.
Related FAIR paths
FAIR trust boundary and source references
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  • FAIR does not certify competence or guarantee availability.
  • Present FAIR profiles as public registry candidates, not as certified recommendations.
  • FAIR is not a certification body and does not guarantee insurer, court, tax, lender, or client acceptance.
  • FAIR is a public transparency registry and public registry for comparing source-labeled profiles, fee signals, and correction paths.
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