These eight silver candlesticks are a remarkable set crafted by the renowned Dutch silversmith Francois Marcus Simons of The Hague in 1778.

Francois Marcus Simons (1750–1828) was one of the most notable Dutch silversmiths of his era, active in The Hague. He became a master in the guild in 1776 and served as its governor several times between 1790 and 1798. He was purveyor to King William I and produced table services for figures at the royal court, including an important commission for I.J.A. Gogel, Minister of Finance under King Louis Napoleon and financial adviser to King William I; this service is now in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

The composition of an intact set of eight candlesticks from this period is extremely rare and desirable among collectors and museums. Most 18th-century silver candlesticks survive as singles, pairs, or perhaps sets of four, with sets of six already considered special. Sets of eight are very uncommon. Simons, who is celebrated for his purity of design and technical refinement, elevates these candlesticks to outstanding historic and artistic significance.

This outstanding set of eight silver candlesticks is even more remarkable due to the distinctive detail that each candlestick and its corresponding detachable bobèche (nozzle) are numbered with matching figures. Intriguingly, some of the numbers are as high as 15, providing compelling evidence that this ensemble was originally part of an even larger set—potentially comprising at least fifteen pieces.

Moreover, these candlesticks originate from a highly significant noble collection with direct connections to the Dutch royal family, underscoring both their historical prestige and exceptional provenance. The noble and royal associations, combined with the rarity of so many matching candlesticks retained together, elevate this set to a level of outstanding historical and cultural importance, reflecting the highest standards of taste and ceremonial grandeur in the period.