Mid-Century Modern Hexagonal Five-Light Sterling Silver Candelabra
Candelabra · Likely Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver Co. The piece follows American hollowware traditions of the mid-20th century. Large manufacturers of this era were known for high-quality mass production for bridal and luxury retail markets like Macy's or Tiffany.
Pattern: Hexagonal Neoclassical Revival style. While not a specific ornate pattern like 'Grand Baroque,' it follows a minimalist geometric aesthetic common in post-War American silver design.
Type
Candelabra
Maker
Likely Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver Co. The piece follows American hollowware traditions of the mid-20th century. Large manufacturers of this era were known for high-quality mass production for bridal and luxury retail markets like Macy's or Tiffany.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is almost certainly 'weighted' or 'reinforced' with cement, pitch, or lead to provide stability, as indicated by the thinness of the silver walls and the structural requirements of a five-light branch.
Dimensions
Approximately 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in height with a spread of 10 inches. Estimated silver weight (excluding weighting material) is roughly 15-20 troy ounces.
Description
This elegant five-light candelabra features a striking hexagonal motif that carries from the stepped base through the tapered column to the candle cups. Its minimalist design eschews ornate engraving in favor of polished planes that catch the light, making it a versatile centerpiece for both formal traditional and contemporary tablescapes. The scrolling arms provide a graceful contrast to the rigid geometry of the base, representing a sophisticated blend of Neoclassical and Modernist influences.
Key Features
Hexagonal geometric theme, five-light configuration, satin-brushed finish, and modular assembly features.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is almost certainly 'weighted' or 'reinforced' with cement, pitch, or lead to provide stability, as indicated by the thinness of the silver walls and the structural requirements of a five-light branch.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or matte-brushed finish. The decoration is minimalist, relying on the architectural lines of the hexagonal base and column. It features stepped transitions and a absence of floral repoussé, aligning with Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern sensibilities.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the underside of the base include 'Sterling,' a pattern number, and likely 'Weighted' or 'Reinforced.' A maker's mark (such as Gorham's lion-anchor-G or Wallace's stag) would be present on the outer rim of the base or the underside.
Construction Details
Machine-spun base and candle cups with cast scrolling arms. The branches (the 'lights') are soldered to a central hub that fits into the candlestick base. The hexagonal shape suggests die-struck or pressed components assembled with silver solder.
Functional Features
Removable branch assembly (likely converts to a single candlestick), flared drip pans to catch wax, and a wide hexagonal base for tip-resistance. The sockets are sized for standard dining tapers.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (No handles). The central column acts as the primary grip, tapered for ergonomic handling when moving it across a table.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry of the hexagonal facets remains crisp, indicating high-pressure die-striking. The solder joins at the branches are cleanly executed without excess flow, typical of major American silver factories.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic construction for mid-century American sterling (the way the branches meet the hub and the specific gauge of the silver). Presence of 'Sterling' stamp on the base is the primary indicator of metal purity.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Providence (Rhode Island) or Meriden (Connecticut), which were the hubs of American silver manufacturing during the 20th Century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1945-1965). The clean, faceted geometry is a hallmark of the period's reaction against Victorian excess, favoring form that follows function.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. The satin finish and geometric construction are highly indicative of post-WWII American dining sets.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of the American formal dinner party when silver centerpieces were essential status symbols of the suburban middle class.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows a heavy matte tarnish (sulfide layer) that obscures the silver's natural luster. No visible 'pushed-in' damage at the base, which is common for weighted pieces. Minor wax residue in the cups. Grade: Very Good (post-polishing).
Value Estimate
$300 - $600 for a single candelabra; $800 - $1,200 for a pair. Value depends heavily on the specific maker and the current spot price of silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) to remove the heavy tarnish. Do not submerge the base in water, as moisture can damage the internal weighting material. Use a soft horsehair brush for the crevices of the arms.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Puritan' or 'Plymouth' patterns (similar minimalist lines); International Silver 'Prelude' (more floral but similar scale). Plated versions (EPNS) often exist but lack the 'Sterling' stamp and have different wear patterns (base metal 'bleeding').
Interesting Facts
Candelabras of this size were often sold in pairs as wedding gifts for high-society couples in the 1950s. The 'weighted' construction allowed middle-class families to own large, impressive silver pieces without the prohibitive cost of solid, thick-gauge silver casting.