Bernadotte Pattern Sterling Silver Candlestick by Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen
Candelabra/Candlestick (Detachable Sconce) · Georg Jensen (Denmark), founded in 1904. Jensen is one of the world's most renowned luxury silversmiths, famous for blending Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics. This piece was designed by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte of Sweden.
Pattern: Bernadotte Pattern; first introduced in 1938. It remains one of Georg Jensen's most popular and iconic fluted collections, currently still in production in steel, though older sterling examples are highly collectible.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick (Detachable Sconce)
Maker
Georg Jensen (Denmark), founded in 1904. Jensen is one of the world's most renowned luxury silversmiths, famous for blending Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics. This piece was designed by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte of Sweden.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely weighted for stability as per Jensen standards, though the removable sconce/nozzle shown in the foreground is solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated height of full candlestick: 10-15 cm. Sconce diameter: approx. 5-6 cm. Weight varies by size, but the silver weight is significant due to the thick gauge used by the Jensen workshop.
Description
A masterpiece of Scandinavian functionalism, the Bernadotte candlestick translates the classical columns of antiquity into a sleek, modernist language. The vertical grooves catch the light, creating a shimmering effect that complements the flicker of a candle. It is a signature example of how Sigvard Bernadotte refined Jensen's more naturalistic style into a geometric, timeless 'International' style.
Key Features
Concentric circle drip pan, crisp vertical fluting on the neck, and the signature heavy gauge sterling silver typical of early-to-mid 20th century Danish production.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base is likely weighted for stability as per Jensen standards, though the removable sconce/nozzle shown in the foreground is solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with vertical fluting. The design is characterized by its minimalist, architectural Art Deco aesthetic, lacking floral ornamentation and focusing on clean, rhythmic lines.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are typically located on the underside of the base or the rim of the sconce. Likely includes the 'Dotted Oval' Georg Jensen logo, '925 S' for sterling, 'DENMARK', and the designer's Signature or '301/401' style model numbers.
Construction Details
Machine-assisted raising and precision turning. The fluted body is die-struck or spun to achieve perfect symmetry, while the sconce insert is hollow-constructed to fit snugly into the candle cup.
Functional Features
Removable sconce/drip pan for easy cleaning of wax. The fluting provides structural rigidity and hides fingerprints better than flat polished surfaces. Circular candle well sized for standard tapers.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a column-style candlestick without a separate handle; the body serves as the grip for moving the piece.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-engineered finish with no visible solder seams. The transition from the fluted cylinder to the smooth base (partially visible) shows expert hand-polishing and lathe-work consistency.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the fluted edges and the specific diameter of the sconce insert are consistent with Jensen's 301/401 models. Authentic pieces have a high specific gravity and deep, clear hallmark stampings.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark. Manufactured at the Georg Jensen Sølvsmedie (silver smithy), known for world-class craftsmanship and rigorous quality control standards.
Era & Period
Art Deco / Early Mid-Century Modern. Designed in 1938, it represents the transition from decorative arts toward functionalist industrial design influenced by the Bauhaus movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1960. Based on the style of the fluting and the visible patina, this is likely a vintage production rather than a modern reproduction.
Cultural Significance
Bernadotte silver redefined the luxury table for the 20th century, moving away from Victorian fussiness toward a clean, democratic, and 'honest' use of metal that became the hallmark of Social Democratic design in Scandinavia.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The sconce shows some light surface scratches and minor wax residue in the well. The fluting appears straight and without major compression or dents. Tarnish is light and manageable.
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD per pair, depending on size and hallmark era. Individual pieces/replacement sconces typically range from $200-$400.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with non-abrasive silver foams (e.g., Hagerty's). Avoid silver dips which can strip the intentional oxidation from the recesses of the fluting, ruining the contrast. Store in Pacific Silvercloth.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen 'Pyramid' or 'Acorn' candlesticks (more ornate), and Christofle 'Spun' silver (French equivalent), which often feels lighter and uses different fluting ratios.
Interesting Facts
The designer, Sigvard Bernadotte, was a Prince of Sweden who lost his title due to marrying a commoner; he became one of the first professional 'Industrial Designers' in Europe.