Silver candlesticks from the early 19th century by Heinrich Wilhelm Ludwig Wilm in Berlin, who was goldsmith to the Prussian royal family – €44,000 (£38,260) at Schloss Ahlden.
They were created c.1830 by Heinrich Wilhelm Ludwig Wilm in Berlin, who was goldsmith to the Prussian royal family.
It was this connection that made the candlesticks so desirable: they were marked with the crowned Prussian eagle, surrounded by the Order of the Black Eagle, the highest order of the royal house of Prussia.
This showed that the Neoclassical candlesticks, which were possibly inspired by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the most famous artist and architect of the era, were the private property of a member of the royal family.
The auction house thought that the most likely owner was Prince Albrecht, who was renowned for his love of pomp and luxury.
The lack of documentary evidence did nothing to deter the bidders who drove the price from the guide of €28,000 at the auction on September 3-4 to a hammer price of €44,000 (£38,260).
£1 = €1.15
