A PAIR OF LOUIS PHILIPPE ORMOLU AND PATINATED-BRONZE EIGHT-LIGHT CANDELABRA

The `PPR’ marks to the underside of the present candelabra almost certainly signify Principe Piedmonte Racconigi or Proprieta Privata Racconigi. They are also affixed with a 1933 paper inventory label, which together with the 'PPR' marks, suggests that they were formerly in the private collection of the Italian Royal family at Castello Reale di Racconigi. Located south of Turin, Racconigi was first constructed in the 12th century, and from the early 17th century was a residence of the Savoy family. The palace was retained as a private residence of the Royal House of Savoy throughout the unification of Italy and was presented in 1930 by King Vittorio Emmanuele III to his son, later King Umberto II, following his marriage to Princess Maria-José of Belgium. It is likely that these candelabra were in his possession when the inventory was produced in 1933. Racconigi was acquired by the Italian state in the 1970s, carefully conserved and later opened as a state museum in 1980.