Weighted Sterling Silver Candlestick Base
Candelabra/Candlestick (Base Fragment) · Unknown American Silversmith (typical of Gorham, Empire, or Duchin Creation)
Pattern: Undetermined Plain or Gadroon Pattern, Mid-20th Century Standard
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick (Base Fragment)
Maker
Unknown American Silversmith (typical of Gorham, Empire, or Duchin Creation)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) skin with cement/resin/plaster weighting and felt-covered cardboard base
Dimensions
Estimated 3.5-4.5 inches base diameter; total weight 200-400g (mostly non-silver filler)
Description
An interior view of a classic weighted sterling silver candlestick base, revealing the industrial methods used to give lightweight silver items the heft of solid metal.
Key Features
Concentric spinning marks (planishing); central lead/solder plug; thin gauge sterling sheet; industrial filler material
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) skin with cement/resin/plaster weighting and felt-covered cardboard base
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish on exterior; interior shows raw spun concentric rings and industrial solder
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks likely located on the lower exterior rim, currently obscured; expected 'Sterling' and 'Weighted' or 'Reinforced'
Construction Details
Spun silver shell over a pre-cast core of resin or cement; central threaded rod visible for column attachment
Functional Features
Weighted base for stability; threaded central mount for candlestick neck; protective felt pad
Handle & Grip Details
None; base only
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-spun shell showing high-speed lathe marks; functional industrial assembly rather than artisan hand-wrought work
Authentication Indicators
The 'Sterling' mark is expected on the outer rim; thinness of the metal over the cement core is a diagnostic of 'Weighted' silver
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; factory-line mass production
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Era (c. 1940-1960)
Age Estimate
Circa 1950 based on industrial spinning marks and composite filler material
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the mid-century American home through mass-production techniques
Condition Notes
Good structural condition; wool/felt base pad is partially detached; interior shows typical oxidation and manufacturing sediment
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 (valued mainly for scrap silver content or as a replacement part)
Care & Maintenance
Never submerge in water (dissolves cement filler); hand polish only; do not apply pressure to the soft silver shell
Similar Pieces
Empire Silver Co. Weighted Sticks; Gorham 'Strasbourg' Weighted; Duchin Creation Weighted sets
Interesting Facts
Weighted silver allowed the middle class to buy 'Sterling' items during periods of high metal prices by using very little silver percentage by weight