Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Low Candlestick by Gorham
Candelabra/Candlestick · Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, RI. Founded in 1831, Gorham is one of the most prestigious American silver manufacturers, known for high quality and being the official silver supplier to the White House.
Pattern: Puritan Line or similar minimalist 20th-century collection; likely a basic 'Simple' or 'Classic' series standard for mid-century American households.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, RI. Founded in 1831, Gorham is one of the most prestigious American silver manufacturers, known for high quality and being the official silver supplier to the White House.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Likely 'weighted' construction, meaning the hollow silver shell is filled with cement or pitch to provide stability to the light gauge metal.
Dimensions
Estimated 3 inches (7-8cm) in diameter at the base; height approx 2.5-3 inches. Gross weight likely 150-250 grams, though the actual silver content is roughly 1-2 troy ounces.
Description
A classic example of mid-20th century American hollowware, this sterling silver candlestick features a clean, domed circular base that rises into a simple cylindrical cup. Its reflective surface is designed to amplify the light of a single taper candle, making it a staple of formal mid-century dining tables.
Key Features
Simple geometric silhouette; weighted base for stability; high-purity sterling silver exterior; hallmark location on the bottom edge of the base.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Likely 'weighted' construction, meaning the hollow silver shell is filled with cement or pitch to provide stability to the light gauge metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish; minimalist decorative aesthetic typical of the International Style or American Mid-Century Modernism. No engraving or chasing is visible on this piece.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the bottom rim: Gorham lion-anchor-G trademark, 'Sterling', and a model number (e.g., 661). 'Weighted' or 'Reinforced with cement' may also be stamped on the base.
Construction Details
Spun silver construction over a pre-formed weighted core. The candle cup is likely seamed or die-struck and soldered to the domed base.
Functional Features
Tapered candle cup designed to hold a standard 7/8 inch dinner candle. Wide domed base acts as a wax drip catcher and provides a low center of gravity to prevent tipping.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the piece is designed to be gripped by the central stem or base during transport.
Craftsmanship Details
Factory-standard machine spinning. The quality is found in the seamless soldering and the consistency of the mirror finish rather than hand-worked artistry.
Authentication Indicators
The warm luster of the metal (once polished) is characteristic of .925 silver. The specific shape is a known catalog form for Gorham and similar American makers like Wallace or International.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Providence, Rhode Island. Manufactured in a high-volume factory setting using machine-assisted spinning and stamping.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970). The spherical/domed minimalism reflects the post-WWII move away from ornate Victorian or Art Deco styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the profile and the prevalence of weighted 'table silver' during the American suburban boom.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of sterling silver in the American middle class during the mid-20th century, where 'real silver' became an essential component of the suburban social aspirational lifestyle.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy tarnish and surface oxidation. Significant scratching and typical 'dimpling' or dents common in thin-gauge weighted silver pieces.
Value Estimate
$40 - $80 USD for a single unit; pairs typically sell for $100 - $150. Value is primarily in the brand name and decorative utility rather than silver scrap weight due to the filler.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a non-abrasive cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Do not submerge in water if weighted, as moisture can cause the internal cement to expand and split the silver. Clean with a soft cotton cloth.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Bamboo' candlesticks (more expensive, solid); Danish Modern pieces by Georg Jensen (more artistic, usually unweighted); generic silver-plated versions (lighter weight, no 'Sterling' mark).
Interesting Facts
Low candlesticks like this were often sold in pairs as wedding gifts during the 1950s. They were designed to be affordable 'luxury' items by using a thin layer of silver over a heavy filler.