A pair of Maltese silver candlesticks, Vincenzo Menville, Perellos period, circa 1700

the plain sconces on gadrooned bands, stiff-leaf embellished knopped baluster columns, gadrooned girdles, each on a spreading circular foot with gadrooned rim, engraved AV 10: SANT and the initials A.I. to the underside

Probably Publio Maria Sant (1779-1864), bishop of Malta
directly inherited by the current owner

Clear makers mark to each sconce rim, town/standard mark distorted and partially distinguishable. One with old silver solder repair to lowest junction of stem. Both of excellent gauge. The welled bases rubbed with traces of moderate pitting. Assay scrapes to both.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The first mention of Vincenzo Menville, like many of his contemporaries is in 1715, when he achieved his warrant, despite the assay marks on these candlesticks pre-dating this date. Another pair of candlesticks of the Perellos period (1697-1720) of similar form, and in all likeliness the same maker (the author describes a distorted mark of an upheld hand flanked to the right with the letter 'M'), can be found in Alain Apap Bologna, The Silver of Malta, Malta, 1995, pg. 45. lot 43. 

Menville became Consul for Goldsmiths in 1733, a position of power and consequence, and was known as a distinguished craftsman and excellent silversmith. In 1737, under Menville's tenure, a ban was issued to twenty-three master-craftsmen, noted in the annules of the 'dello Orefici et Argentieri'.

Publio Maria Sant was the son of Giovanni Francesco, 2nd Count Sant. Publio Sant was ordained priest in 1805, was ordained Bishop of Laranda in 1818 and Bishop of Malta and Titular Archbishop of Rhodes in 1847. Archbishop Sant is well known in Sliema as the one who gave permission for the construction of a new church dedicated to Our Lady of Stella Maris in 1852. He resigned on December 4, 1857 and died in 1864.