Antique Altar Candle Stick Holder?

[wiscjeeper]

Stumbled upon these candlestick holders...received from an older gentleman that used to have them in an old catholic church.  Interesting symbol engraved on the side, and an engraved "P" on the bottom.  I can't even tell what they are made out of...but they are heavy!  At least 5 lbs each.  Seem to be hand painted.  If you know any information, I would appreciate it!  Thanks!

[frogpatch]

I think they are exactly what you said, Alter Candlesticks  They look like brass with enamel but it is hard to tell without seeing them They are beautiful and appear to be quite old. How tall are they? From the picture they appear to be at least 18 inches tall.

[wiscjeeper]

They are 17.5 inches tall.  It is possible that they are enamel...whatever it is is heavy!  I wish I could figure out who made them and when...they sure are neat! 

[frogpatch]

That could be very difficult. I would guess they were made in Italy or France. You would need an expert in church artifacts. Do you live near a major city like NY or Chicago? A high end auction house could identify them like Sothebys. You can't take chances with pieces like that. The workmanship is exquisite. When I looked closer I see a gold design in the blue. Is that embedded in the enamel or laid over it?  These may be gilt bronze and not brass.

[frogpatch]

They look a little like French Cloisonne in the picture

[wiscjeeper]

Stuck a magnet on it tonight....won't stick to anything except for the middle of the bottom and inside where the candle sits.  It must have a metal rod going through the middle?

[frogpatch]

An steel or iron rod would be used to hold the components together.  Did you look at the gold decoration to see if it is in the enamel or on it?

[wiscjeeper]

It is on it.