Identifying bronze candle holders

[Mermaiden]

Hello everyone! From what I've seen of the forum this place looks really helpful and I'd like to request some help shedding some light on these old marine themed candle holders please.

So far i think they're made of bronze. They aren't magnetic, feel heavy and when scratched reveal a silvery then gold metal underneath. They might be European (as that's where i bought them from). It looks like they have a lovely dark brown/ golden patina over the body and a greener tinge to the base but in some places it looks darker and others far lighter so i can't tell if this is natural or painted or a bit of both? There are also some cracks and other little flaws (like "stains", parts of green crust and a worn but different metal screw) that I'm not sure what to make of. I can't find any identifying signatures on either one of them. They stand about 10 inches high but have a 2cm hole for the candle that is smaller than most long sized candles.

Hopefully the pictures and description will provide enough detail but if there's anything else you'd like to know please ask! Any insight their design and whether they are antique would be great, as would a guesstimate. Thanks for your time!

[KC]

Hello and welcome to the forum.  Interesting piece you have there.  Any other history on it that you know?  What country purchased in?

Does the top/candle holder part screw off or is it permanent?

Rather than a mermaid, this reminds me of the carved female figure on the bow of a boat, known as a Figurehead.  Perhaps this can help with the search?  Looking...

[rink28]

I found one online that was kind of similar to yours. Looking at your pics the last picture that shows the bottom it appears to be a modern screw perking out the bottom which makes me think that they might be made to appear old. Here is the link I found online https://www.google.com/search?site=webhp&tbm=isch&source=hp&ei=QspoV7v6IMuFmQGs-5fIBg&q=brass+mermaid+candle+holders&oq=brass&gs_l=mobile-gws-hp.1.0.41j0l4.1279.2241.0.4643.6.6.0.1.1.0.340.1238.0j4j1j1.6.0....0...1c.1.64.mobile-gws-hp..0.6.1011.3.J5a3ML4A15c#tbm=isch&tbs=rimg%3ACQuPD2VYQ9_1hIkB-ii9sF3bjrap-LIik-tHNDUV8e-5Juf0yoWY9CpWjXaPxyLbOblm64dP6qYnygR5aR-RdeXVQFtaJTlBuaQ6UKhIJfoovbBd2460Ra7E_1k6-OSjwqEgmqfiyIpPrRzRET4F7sDhYV-SoSCQ1FfHvuSbn9ERPgXuwOFhX5KhIJMqFmPQqVo10RE-Be7A4WFfkqEgmj8ci2zm5ZuhET4F7sDhYV-SoSCeHT-qmJ8oEeEZbSGWCk5h9iKhIJWkfkXXl1UBYRnB8-FW2CC2EqEgnWiU5QbmkOlBHpqnFONIzHbg%3D%3D&q=brass%20mermaid%20candle%20holders&imgrc=C48PZVhD3-GCSM%3A

[Mermaiden]

Thank you for kind welcome and quick replies!

KC, the the top candle part is permanent. I'd never thought of them like figureheads before! I assumed the context and base made them mermaids but with their arms crossed that makes sense! I bought them in Bosnia (Mostar) about 10 years ago.

Rink, when i followed that link i can a similar brass mermaid spreading out to two candle holders but i can't see the bottom for comparison. I did wonder about the screw, wasn't sure if a a different screw could be used to support it for extra strength or as a repair. Here's some more pictures of it but it's difficult to get the details to show.





Thanks once again for your input!

[cogar]

HA, most all self-respecting Mermaids have a fish tail.

[Mermaiden]

I thought maybe it could be some sort of hybrid squid mermaid?! A star fish base is still a fish right? 

[cogar]

If you say so, but, a Starfish is not really a fish …… its an invertebrate, an echinoderm.

[Mermaiden]

Ha, well it is still... aquatic I'm clutching at straws here, but you are right! Seems to be a case of art is in the eye of the beholder

[KC]

I have to agree that the screw looks "modern" and "new" on the piece.  Does it appear that it was original with the pieces or added?

[Mermaiden]

For sure the screw looks out of place in comparison and is clearly less eroded. After some digging to see how to tell if it's been added or constructed with it I still honestly have no idea! I want to say it looks like it's been added because of flakes of brighter bronze around one of them and a slightly different coloured metal at the base (pictures below). Although it's hard to tell it gives me the impression that it's been repaired. I'm also hesitant to take that as conclusive proof, especially when i don't know much about metal works and casting. Subconsciously i might just be trying to see evidence that it's not recently made and therefore more interesting. Your opinions or suggestions are greatly welcome!

[Rauville]

Mermaiden;
If you check this eBay link you can compare the base to yours.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Art-Deco-Nude-Nouveau-Candle-Holder-Metal-Bronze-Mermaid-Dolphin-Statue-/381485267266?hash=item58d24b3942%3Ag%3AoXMAAOSw7FRWZPOM&nma=true&si=LUaFfGbvXA47IZNSIub5FswH8%252BQ%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

I would be skeptical myself of your candleholders being 100% original. The starfish castings appear more defined than the upper portion. And I wonder why the "drip pans" are mismatched?

[Mermaiden]

Rauville- I can see the base screw now and the difference is quite apparent, is this a definitive sign that it's been made in more recent years? Yes, the starfish base and to a degree the top look more defined and even a different colour patina, almost like it's a different age or cast. I have no idea why these differences are apparent or how significant they are, hence why I'm sharing them with you guys for information.

I welcome skepticism, it was that which led me here in the first place! I appreciate you taking a look for me!

[Ipcress]

Pics aren't showing

[mart]

Thats odd,, I  can see them fine !!

I believe its just an ordinary galvanized screw to prevent rust !!