One of a pair of matching Sheffield plate candlesticks commemorating the victories of Admirals Richard Howe, John Jervis, Adam Duncan and Horatio Nelson (see also PLT0740).

The candlestick is decorated with classical and Egyptian motifs much in vogue at the period. It has a cylindrical stem of simulated telescopic form with laurel leaf spiral festooning and oval cartouches, the capital decorated with Egyptian papyrus leaves. The stepped base is filled, and is embossed with anchors, symbols of war and cartouches with crossed flags and shields inscribed with admirals' names and dates of battles. 'HOWE 1 JUNE 1794', 'JERVIS 14 FEBy 1797', 'DUNCAN 11 OCTr 1797' and 'NELSON 1 AUGt 1798' (namely the battles of the Glorious First of June, Cape St Vincent, Battle of Camperdown and the Battle of the Nile).

The process of Sheffield plating, a fusion of silver and copper sheets, was introduced in the mid-18th century as a cheaper substitute for solid silver, and became much used for small and domestic wares. The thin silver surface easily wore through with cleaning, revealing glimpses of the copper core, and also imposed limitations on engraving and decorating. In this case the copper is showing through the silver in places, and the base has been cut down and screwed to a circular polished black wood plinth.