Rare set George III sterling candlesticks, John Winter & Co dated 1778 & 1780, Sheffield neoclassical design in the 'Athenian' taste with urn-form socket and detachable wax pan on dolphin feet, on shaft with ram's head, swag, and hoof designs, square urn base with acanthus; loaded shafts; each hallmarked and marked by maker: JW & Co. (Two with slightly bruised bases and bobeches, otherwise good condition) H12 1/4" *Note: During the 18th century, wealthy aristocrats traveled across Europe on grand tours of newly-discovered excavations of ancient Rome and Greece. These privileged patrons were so inspired by the rich colors and classic designs they saw that upon their return to England they commissioned fashionable designers and architects such as Robert Adam (1728-1792), James 'Athenian' Stuart (1713-1788) and James Wyatt (1746-1813) to recreate the wonders of the ancient lands. Soon their sketchbooks were filled with fanciful designs never before seen, elaborate almost over-decorated concepts which pushed craftsmen to invent new techniques and tools to create finely carved fabric swags on giltwood, intricate geometric Greek keys and acanthus gilded and etched on glass, ram's heads and feet cast from the finest of silver and gold. These fabulous candlesticks epitomize the Neoclassic fashion of the second half of the 18th century, and include all that represents the style of that period.