A rare pair of german nine-light figural candelabra Meissen, circa 1870

molded as a palm tree flanked by a scantily clad beauty and a cherub with applied flower garlands, issuing a flower bouquet and three candle arms, each issuing a further three candle arms each, raised on a dolphin tripod support, crossed swords marks in underglaze blue, incised 1216M for the model.

The most celebrated Meissen manufature started its production of porcelain in 1710 and attracted artists and artisans to establish one of the most famous porcelain manufacturers, still in business as Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH. Its signature logo, the crossed swords, was introduced in 1720 to protect its production; the mark of the crossed swords is one of the oldest trademarks in existence.