George II Style Sterling Silver Hexagonal Candlestick by Harris Woodard
Candelabra/Candlestick · Harris Woodard (HW mark). Founded in Birmingham, UK, this maker is known for high-quality reproduction and original sterling hollowware pieces catering to mid-20th-century luxury markets.
Pattern: Hexagonal Georgian Reproduction. This pattern is based on the sober, architectural designs popular during the reign of George II (c. 1730-1750).
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick
Maker
Harris Woodard (HW mark). Founded in Birmingham, UK, this maker is known for high-quality reproduction and original sterling hollowware pieces catering to mid-20th-century luxury markets.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Constructed as a hollow, likely weighted piece. Total composition is traditional British sterling silver without mixed materials.
Dimensions
Estimated at 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) in height. Weight is likely approximately 350-500 grams total, though as a candlestick, it likely includes a resin or plaster core for stability ('weighted').
Description
An elegant and stately sterling silver candlestick, this piece exemplifies the timeless appeal of Georgian geometry. The hexagonal 'lighthouse' stem rises from a tiered, stepped base, catching light across its many flat planes. Its restrained ornamentation makes it suitable for both modern and traditional interiors, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of English silversmithing.
Key Features
Distinguished by the crisp hexagonal facets on both the stem and the base, the clear Birmingham 1930 hallmark, and the balanced proportions associated with high-quality English reproductions.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Constructed as a hollow, likely weighted piece. Total composition is traditional British sterling silver without mixed materials.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a paneled hexagonal design. The decoration is minimalist and architectural, featuring stepped molding on the base and a knopped, fluted stem characteristic of the Neoclassical/Early Georgian transition.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The item bears a full set of British hallmarks on the base edge: 'HW' for maker Harris Woodard; an Anchor for the Birmingham Assay Office; the Lion Passant signifying .925 sterling silver; and the date letter 'F' in a shield, corresponding to the year 1930.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck components that have been skillfully hand-assembled and soldered. The sharp angles of the hexagonal base suggest precision metalworking common in the Birmingham workshops of the early 20th century.
Functional Features
Features a wide flared base for stability and a classic candle socket. It likely has a green felt or wooden underside (hidden) to prevent scratching furniture surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
The knopped stem serves as the primary grip, designed with an ergonomic swell to allow for safe transport while a candle is lit.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays excellent symmetry. The solder seams at the base are well-hidden, and the hallmark strike is deep and clear, indicating a piece of significant quality from a reputable Birmingham workshop.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are sharply struck and consistent with the Birmingham registers for 1930. The maker's mark 'HW' matches known Harris Woodard stamps. Naturally occurring patina in the crevices confirms its age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in one of the world's most famous silver manufacturing hubs known for precise standards and rigorous assaying.
Era & Period
Interwar Period / George V era (1930). Stilistically, it is a Colonial Revival/George II reproduction, reflecting the period's nostalgia for traditional British silverware forms.
Age Estimate
Dated exactly to 1930 based on the Birmingham 'F' date letter.
Cultural Significance
Represents the status of the British middle and upper classes in the early 20th century, where silver candlesticks were essential elements of a formal dining table and served as symbols of domestic stability and heritage.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirls) from previous polishing. Small area of tarnish or 'fire scale' visible near the hallmarks. Structure appears sound with no significant dents or 'pushed-in' corners.
Value Estimate
$300 - $550 USD for a single candlestick; $800 - $1,200 for a matched pair depending on the weight and market demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Use a soft horsehair brush for the crevices around the base. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation. Avoid using 'silver dips' which can strip the protective patina from the hallmarks.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with early 18th-century originals (which would have much more irregular hand-hammered surfaces and different hallmark styles) or silver-plated versions by Elkington which would lack the Lion Passant mark.
Interesting Facts
During the 1920s and 30s, there was a massive resurgence in 'Early English' styles as a reaction against the overly ornate Victorian and Edwardian periods; this piece is a perfect example of that 'modern-classic' shift.