A VIctorian silver five-light presentation candelabrum, Edward Barnard & Sons, London, 1848

tripod base with foliate scroll supports engraved with arms and inscriptions within cartouches, scrolled foliate branches

Sotheby's, London, 15 May 2003, lot 35

The arms are those of Donkin; The inscription reads:
To Armorer Donkin Esq in memorial of the friendly & essential services rendered to Charles Wm Bigge Willm Boyd Charles J. Bigge Robert Boyd John Spedding Jun, March 22 1839.

good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Armorer Donkin (1779-1851) was a Newcastle solicitor and member of several local societies.  His law firm hired the young William George Armstrong, later the industrialist Baron Armstrong of Tyneside, and a portrait of Donkin hangs at Armstrong's house Craigside, now a National Trust property.

This candelabrum seems to have been given to commemorate Donkin's work with the Newcastle banking firm of Ridley, Bigge & Co, which later merged with the N. & D. District Bank; correspondance from Donkin and other papers with the names recorded on this piece are preserved in the Northumberland Record Office of the National Archives.