COBRA CANDLESTICKS
These candlesticks have been sitting in the back of a closet for about 50 years because I really don't like them very much. I inherited them from my grandparents. However, I recently received some old family photographs from my sister and lo and behold there they are...
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...from 50 years ago at least, sitting on what looks like a bureau, behind Grandma and Granddad.
I've often wondered if they are worth anything because they are solid brass, quite heavy and about 12 inches tall. Knowing the letter C was coming up, I decided to get them out and take another look. My grandfather brought them back from India where he served in the British Army. I checked on the web and did a couple of tests and yes, they are solid brass. So I had a go at cleaning them up. I tried regular products for shining them. Not much progress there. I soaked them in baking soda and vinegar. A little better. But what they really need is a tooth brush, baking soda and plenty of elbow grease! I can see where my grandmother obviously cleaned them regularly. Adding to their interest is the fact that they are hand tooled. They would have been made in the early 1900's but I suspect there are plenty of others about so I doubt if they are valuable. But I'll keep them around and when the Del Mar Fair Antiques Show comes around I might take them down to be valued.
C is also for...CAT SHOW!
Well you didn't think I'd let you get away with the letter C without some reference to cats, did you?
I haven't been able to go for quite a few years because I can't walk long enough to be able to take in all the exhibits. But this year I had my scooter! What a blessing it was! We got there about 2:00 p.m. and I tootled around until 5:00 p.m. Saw everything I wanted and more. Poor Barry was wishing he'd brought a book. Here's a couple of highlights...
Cute and funny, but not really my style of decoration.
This little fellow was all tuckered out! It was a long day for the cats and they had another day to go.
There was even a cat agility ring. This cat went round twice successfully. All the same obstacles as in a dog agility ring. Fun to watch.
Just to prove that I really was there, that's my head in the left hand corner watching some of the judging .
Smiles at the cat show. Can't you just see from the look on their faces how much they are enjoying the show? Oh I just love that photo! That's how I came home. A smile on my face.
This is my contribution to Mrs. Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday for the letter C, now in its tenth round and still going strong. Click on this LINK and see all the other entertaining and educational entries.
17 comments:
I must admit...the cobra candlesticks are a bit creepy...but the cats brought my smile back!
Jane x
Those cobra candlesticks are not an unusual sight for me - I remember them well from all the visits I made to our g'parent's home, yes, around 50 years ago. I had no idea you had them!! At one time, there was a candy jar sitting between them, from which I used to steal toffees when no-one except the cobras were looking (yes, I was a wicked child!). They may not have much monetary value, but the history behind them, I am sure would be interesting.
So glad you got to go to the cat show - what a blessing. I bet MOTH could hardly keep up with you! I love the photo of the exhausted cat!
Those cobra candle holders are a bit ... odd. Not sure I would like them either, but if I saw a photo of my grandparents with the holders in it, I would probably want to put them out again! I hope you didn't devalue them by cleaning them up.
Snakes are not my thing, especially cobras. They do look vaguely familiar, but I don't recall ever visiting your grandparent's house, although I may have when I was quite small if they were the ones who lived near Craig-y-don.
Maybe you can sell the candlesticks - better than gathering dust. And maybe SOMEONE would like them!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Chris, I'm so glad you had the scooter this time and could really enjoy your passion. It seems it has given you a new lease on life.
Interesting candle sticks. The Del Mar show will be a great place to have them appraised. Don't work too hard on "cleaning" them. I think the patina adds to their value. Cleaning too much can scar the brass...just my opinion. I know its that way with silver.
Wow, nice antiques but I am too has a phobia with snakes so I might not like that very much. We call Candle holder, Candelabra.
Crystal Palace & Carousel
Chubskulit, ABC Wednesday Team
Can't say I really like the candle sticks since I have a phobia. But the cat stuff is really cute! :D
Leslie
abcw team
Just adore snakes of any kind whether its real or an art. This is awesome
PhenoMenon, ABCW Team
Like you I love cats! Thanks for sharing the show with us!
Have a great day!
Wil, ABC Wednesday team.
That's cool to find the shot of the cobra candlesticks in the photo of your grandparents. The cat show shots are fun. Carver ABC Wednesday Team
Awesome and very interesting post. Thanks for sharing.
Letter C
I really like these candle sticks, they are beautiful and very original ! can't understand that you don't like them ! They certainly have some value being so old and honnestly I have never seen anything like that in the Indian shops we have here.
The cat exposition must have been nice too, although I pitty the poor cats !
Be sure and let us know if the candlesticks are worth anything. But I'm with you, I don't care for them either, kind of scary to a small child, I would think.
Not sure about the candle sticks but someone some where will love them,lovely pussy cats tho.Love Jill xx
Have you tried using Brasso? I love unusual candlesticks, but not these! I am like so many...phobic of snakes!
Chris, check Ebay, these appear to be going for over $100, you may have more than you think!
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