Mike, First let me say I am NOT AN EXPERT, But my guess would be these candlesticks have been handed down from generation to generation,probably mother to daughter through the yrs,as a wedding gift. I have found during the yrs of 1600,families gave there most prized possessions as gifts to the one whom was getting married,sometimes being gold,silver,or in some cases live stock (Marres,cows,goats,sheep)And of course land at times. This is a family heirloom,keep it treasure it for being part of the family. Kathy