Large mercury glass candlestick from the 19th century.

Large mercury glass candlestick probably dating from the second half of the 19th century (circa 1850–1900). This candlestick is made of double-walled glass, with a thin layer of silver deposited between the two walls through chemical silvering. This process, particularly popular in England in the mid-19th century, earned this glassware the nickname "poor man's silver" due to its shine resembling that of solid silver. Dimensions: – Height: 28 cm. – Base diameter: 11.5 cm. In good antique condition. The original silvering shows variations, areas of wear, and slight transparency, consistent with the natural aging of old mercury glass. The underside shows a lack of silvering in the centre of the base, characteristic of this type of manufacture and its age. The piece retains a beautiful authentic patina.