FAIR Buyer Preparation Guide

How to Count Weighted Sterling Candlesticks or Candelabra for Appraisal

To count weighted sterling candlesticks or candelabra for appraisal, first decide whether you have a single stick, a matching pair, a garniture, or a detachable multi-light candelabrum, then record each base, each branch total, every bobeche, and every loose or missing arm separately. FAIR uses that count sheet, along with notes about weighted construction, mismatched tops, and detachable fittings, to scope whether the file is a straightforward silver-lighting assignment or a more complicated mixed-parts review.

Start by defining the lighting group, not just the silver marks

Owners often say they have candlesticks when the group is really a pair of single sticks with detachable three-light tops, or they call everything candelabra when only one base survives. FAIR needs the object type and group structure first so the assignment is scoped correctly before any maker research begins.

Record whether the assignment is one candlestick, a matching pair, a garniture, or one or more candelabra with detachable branch assemblies.
Count each base separately even when two pieces look alike, because one base may be weighted sterling while the matching stick is a later plated replacement.
If the candelabra converts from a single candlestick into a multi-light form, note both configurations instead of describing only the assembled version.
Use plain labels such as left base, right base, center candelabrum, or detached top A when you are unsure of the formal silver term.

Count branch totals by candle sockets, not by how full the silhouette looks

The most common intake mistake is undercounting detachable candelabra branches. Silver specialists need to know whether each base is a one-light stick, a two-arm conversion, or a five-light candelabrum because branch totals affect completeness, comparison logic, and routing.

Count the total number of candle positions each base supports when fully assembled, including the center socket if one is present.
Write the branch count for each base separately, such as pair of single sticks or pair of three-light candelabra with center sockets.
If a detachable top turns one candlestick into a candelabrum, note the underlying stick count and the assembled branch count in the same row.
Do not average uneven branch totals across the group. If one base has three lights and the other has only two surviving lights, record that mismatch directly.

Bobeches, nozzles, and drip-pan parts should be counted outside the branch total

Loose upper fittings are frequently lost, mixed, or replaced. FAIR needs to know whether the branch count is complete and whether the removable bobeches or nozzle parts still match the set.

Count every bobeche separately, even when it belongs to a branch that is already included in the total light count.
List loose nozzles, socket liners, wax cups, or conversion sleeves as separate accessories rather than assuming they are part of the branch count.
If a bobeche is missing, mismatched, or clearly a later replacement, note which candle position it belongs to.
Keep later household add-ons in a separate note so FAIR can distinguish original silver fittings from non-original inserts and sleeves.

Detached arms and empty mounting points must be counted as missing or surviving parts

Weighted sterling candelabra often break down into arms, hubs, finials, and sockets. Those detachable elements should not disappear into a vague note that the piece comes apart. FAIR needs a count of what survives and what is absent.

Count every detachable arm that survives, then note any empty mount, open thread, or vacant sleeve where a missing arm should attach.
If one branch arm is missing from a pair, record the surviving arm count and the missing arm count instead of calling the candelabrum incomplete without detail.
List detachable center sockets, finials, caps, and branch hubs separately when they are stored off the base.
If the object cannot be assembled safely, count the parts laid out by component group and say the piece is currently disassembled.

Weighted construction and mismatched parts change how the count should be read

Candlesticks and candelabra are often mixed from multiple households or repaired with non-original parts. A clean count sheet should show where weighted construction, plated replacements, or different marks break the group into more than one appraisal story.

Note wording such as weighted, reinforced, loaded, filled, or cement filled wherever it appears on the underside or branch fittings.
If one detachable arm, socket, or bobeche carries different marks from the base, keep that component in its own note line.
Separate clearly plated replacements from sterling components so FAIR does not scope the whole group as uniformly sterling.
If one base leans, rocks, or has a crushed loaded foot, include that condition note next to the count because instability often explains missing arms or loose tops.

Build a FAIR count sheet before requesting a silver-lighting quote

The goal is a simple pre-appraisal map of bases, branch totals, removable fittings, and missing parts. That lets FAIR assign the file quickly to a silver specialist and identify whether the assignment is a pair count, a candelabrum completeness review, or a mixed decorative-arts problem.

Use columns for base or object label, assembled light count, loose bobeches or nozzle parts, detachable arms, missing parts, and weighted-construction notes.
Attach one assembled group photo, one laid-out parts photo, and close-ups of marks or loading language that explain the count.
State whether the assignment is for insurance scheduling, estate planning, probate, donation planning, sale review, or general silver triage.
Include prior appraisals, invoices, family notes, or replacement-part receipts when they mention branch totals, detachable tops, or missing arms.

FAQ

How do I count a pair of weighted sterling candlesticks with detachable three-light tops? Count the pair of bases first, then note that each base converts to a three-light candelabrum when the detachable top is installed. FAIR needs both the base count and the assembled branch total.
Do bobeches count as part of the branch total? No. The branch total describes candle positions or arms. Bobeches should be counted separately as removable fittings because they are often lost, mismatched, or replaced.
What if one detachable arm is missing? Record the surviving arm count and the missing arm clearly, then photograph the empty mounting point. Missing arms directly affect completeness and appraisal scope.
Should I list weighted wording in the count sheet? Yes. Terms such as weighted, reinforced, loaded, or filled help FAIR understand that the base construction is not uniformly hollow sterling and may affect routing and comparison logic.
What if the two candlesticks are similar but not exact matches? Count them separately and note the mismatch in height, branch structure, marks, engraving, or construction. Do not force near-matches into one perfectly matched pair description.
Do loose nozzle liners or conversion sleeves matter for appraisal intake? Yes. They should be counted as separate accessories because they can change whether the upper fittings are original and whether the set is complete.
What is the most useful final count note for FAIR? A short line that states the number of bases, the assembled light count for each base, the number of loose bobeches or detachable arms, and exactly which parts are missing.