Collectors Facts - Christ (aka Christus) and Maria, Brockwitz

Christ

Maria

Important: only the small size Brockwitz candlestick (the one with the square base, above on the left) is known in Carnival.

Maria image, left, courtesy of Kelly Markley

Shapes:

Christ candlestick

Maria candlestick

Colours:

Marigold

Marigold

---

Brockwitz's Christ and Maria candlesticks are seldom seen beauties with exquisitely detailed mouldwork. The word "rare" is often over-used with regard to Carnival, but these marigold items really are rare, the number reported being in single figures. Two of the Christ candlesticks have been found in the UK.

The Brockwitz catalogue image shown above (right) shows two versions of the candlestick - a small one (10 inches / 25cm) with a square base, and a larger one (12 inches / 30cm) with a round base and scroll feet. The catalogue text shows that both Christ ("Christus") and Maria were made in the two sizes.

Only the 10 inch, square base version of both Christ and Maria are so far known in Carnival Glass. Marigold is the only colour currently reported.

​
​The Story Behind The Glass

On the right is our Christ ("Christus") candlestick. These sculptural beauties were shown in Brockwitz catalogues from at least as early as 1915, along with several other items that were intended for church or religious usage. Few of these marigold candlesticks have survived the century since they were made. This one was found in Ireland, many years ago.

Here's the story of how this iconic piece of Carnival entered our lives.

Some sixteen or so years ago, dear friends of ours in the USA contacted us to show us an eBay auction for this Brockwitz candlestick. Although they were interested in it for themselves, they knew they would be unable to bid in the closing stages of the auction as they would be away from home visiting their children. We had helped them a lot over the years, and they knew our passion for European Carnival, and they wanted to alert us to the online auction.

The candlestick was located in Ireland, and all the seller knew was that it was Carnival Glass. We were able to buy it and of course, we held our breath until it arrived safely at our home. Unpacking it was an experience we’ll never forget, as this sculptural beauty emerged from the newspaper that had surrounded it.

We were enthralled by it, and intrigued by the fact that we found wax inside the candle’s socket. It was easy to imagine the candlestick in use, perhaps on a church altar, glowing gently. For us, though, the most important and memorable aspect of this beautiful and iconic candlestick is the generosity and selflessness of our friends – the couple who alerted us to the auction.

​Some friendships are precious and last forever - and this particular friendship will always be remarkable and deeply cherished by us, for all that it represents. Kindness, generosity and love.

A word of caution!

​Beware of FAKES that use Christ and Maria candlesticks that were made by Fenne.

Yes they are old, vintage candlesticks, but the iridescence on them is not old.

It has been recently applied, painted on cold, in a clear attempt to deceive. It will flake and rub off.

The fakes are not too difficult to spot, if you know what to look for, but the unwary can be deceived.

​The full story of our research and discovery of the Fenne fakes is here: Fenne Fakes.

Christ made by Brockwitz

FAKE Fenne candlestick

See more Collectors Facts