Greetings,

I've recently acquired an unmarked Benedict candlestick in relatively good condition, particularly the construction, i.e., it's straight. It's constructed of copper with brass handles and 'petals'. I've included a link to my Flikr account where there are three images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/67689005@N00/sets/72157603535365328/. Additionally, images of the same type of candlestick as a pair can be found at the excellent Benedict Studios website at http://www.benedictstudio.com/pb/wp_25397b4a.html?0.19489332618822708.

While the patina of the shaft of my candlestick is in quite good condition, with a nice sheen remaining over the original finish, the brass handles and 'petals', and the copper base are quite dull (although the patina is relatively intact). I say relatively, as it would appear that there may have been some attempt to repair some damage to the patina on the base which has resulted in purplish spots. Additionally, the glue from an old price tag remains.

While the spots don't bother me too much, I would really like to bring up the finish of the base, 'petals', and handles to the sheen-like quality evident on the shaft. I was thinking of using mild soap and water with a sponge to remove dust and grease and then applying a light coating of furniture wax to bring up the finish. However, I don't want to ruin what's still a relatively good patina. I realise that there is copper care advice throughout the forum, but given the brass and copper and the particular state of the candle's finish, can anyone provide any specific advice or point to me other sources of information? Many thanks.

Regards,

Dave

Welcome to the forum. What a wonderful candlestick. I would first remove the adhesive left from the pricetag with a limonene based solvent like Goo-Gone. Cleaning the grime off with mild soap and water is a good idea. Some of the Benedict candlesticks have iron disks on the base so do not let any water stay within the candlestick. A hair dryer may help you eliminate any stuborn moisture. Clearwax makes a non yellowing paste wax. Or you may choose to make your own using beeswax dissolved in turpentine. Neither of these will damage your finish and will help preserve it. To make the homemade paste wax I carve the beeswax into shavings and stuff this into an empty babyfood jar. I then fill the jar with turpentine and seal it for a day or two. Shaking it until it forms a paste.

Hope this is of help and let us see the finished product.

Hi Fred,

Thanks for the welcome and advice. I endeavor to follow your suggestions and will post the results when finished. Thanks again.

Regards,

Dave

Greetings All,

I have taken Fred's advice on how to 'rejuvenate' my Benedict candle stick. However, instead of Goo-Gone, I used Goof-Off, and I simplified the waxing part by using Min-Wax furniture wax. The results are exceptional -- one can now more easily discriminate between the copper and brass components of the candle stick, plus there is much more depth to the hammering. I thank Fred once again.

To see the before and after images, go to my Flikr account at http://www.flickr.com/photos/67689005@N00/sets/72157603535365328/detail/

Best Regards,

Dave

Hi Dave,

Thanks for getting back to us with the images of the finished candlestick. It looks wonderful and alive again. Glad I could be of help.

I stay away from Goof-Off due to the nasty smell and solvents in the product.

Please feel free to share any other pieces you might have in your collection. We love images and sharing.

I took the liberty of displaying the image by linking from your Flickr account. What a beautiful piece.

Rikki

Thanks for posting the image, Rikki. Any chance of posting an 'after' image beside it, too?

It's great to be able to share this topic with others who are genuinely interested -- thanks for the forum.

Best Regards,

Dave

Dave,

That is what is so great about a forum like this. My passion is for the metalwork of the period. I am a metalsmith and I understand what I owe those who preceeded me.