The prototype for these candlesticks is the marble tripod candelabrum printed in R. Gargiulo Racolta de Munimenti Pui Inttersant Del Rl Museo Borbonico (sic) 1825, pl.39, 40A, to which flaming finials have been added in the manner of Thomas Hope's candelabrum illustrated in T.Hope Household Furniture and Interior Decoration 1807. The candelabrum, now in the Museo Nazionale, Naples, was originally in the Farnese Collection and was moved to Naples by Charles III (King of Naples 1734-1759 and King of Spain 1759-1788).

A similar pair, with the paw feet which are lacking on the present example, was sold Christie's Great Rooms, Fine English Furniture, 26 April 1990, lot 9.