Traditional Sterling Silver Weighted Candlestick
Candelabra/Candlestick · Various American and British manufacturers such as Gorham, Wallace, or regional silversmiths
Pattern: Classic / Traditional Colonial Revival
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick
Maker
Various American and British manufacturers such as Gorham, Wallace, or regional silversmiths
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) skin over a weighted interior base (typically loaded with resin, plaster, or pitch for stability, and reinforced with a metal or wooden rod)
Dimensions
Height approximately 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches), base diameter approximately 9 to 11 cm (3.5 to 4.5 inches); total weight heavily influenced by internal loading, typically 300 to 500 grams gross weight
Description
A classic single sterling silver candlestick featuring a graceful tapered columnar shaft rising from a stepped, flared base. The highly polished reflective surface accentuates its clean, traditional silhouette, making it a timeless decorative accent for formal dining tables and mantelpieces alike.
Key Features
Clean minimalist neoclassical silhouette, highly reflective mirror polish, flared stepped base for stability, and weighted interior construction
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) skin over a weighted interior base (typically loaded with resin, plaster, or pitch for stability, and reinforced with a metal or wooden rod)
Finish & Decoration
High mirror polish surface finish with clean, unadorned neoclassical architectural lines, featuring a flared square or round stepped base, tapering columnar stem, and a sconce with a removable bobêche
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped with "STERLING", a maker's hallmark logo, and often marked "WEIGHTED" or "REINFORCED" on the underside base
Construction Details
Die-struck or spun components soldered together, featuring a thin sterling silver outer shell fitted over a weighted, structural core for stability
Functional Features
Designed to hold standard taper candles securely with a wide bobeche to catch melting wax, and a weighted base to prevent tipping
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as this is a single stationary candlestick rather than a chamberstick with a handle
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial manufacturing quality featuring precise spinning and die-forming of the silver sheet metal, securely assembled with clean soldered joints
Authentication Indicators
Presence of the standard 'STERLING' stamp and 'WEIGHTED' descriptor on the base, appropriate manufacturing seams, and expected minor tarnish in recessed crevices
Origin & Manufacturing
United States or United Kingdom, produced in traditional commercial silversmithing workshops
Era & Period
Colonial Revival / Mid-20th Century (reflecting classic 18th-century Georgian architectural forms)
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1960
Cultural Significance
Representing domestic elegance, hospitality, and formal dining traditions, candlesticks have historically symbolized warmth, refinement, and the celebration of special occasions
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition with minor surface hairline scratches from polishing and handling; no major dents or structural splits noted on the visible silver skin
Value Estimate
Market value generally ranges from $40 to $100 USD depending on the maker, exact weight of the silver shell, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish gently with a quality silver cream like Wright's and a soft microfiber cloth; avoid harsh scrubbing or immersion in liquid dips due to the weighted internal base, and store in a dry environment
Similar Pieces
Weighted silver candlesticks by Gorham, International Silver, or Fisher Silversmiths, differing primarily in subtle base shaping and hallmark stamps
Interesting Facts
Weighted candlesticks became immensely popular in the mid-20th century as an affordable way for households to own solid sterling silver tableware without the prohibitive cost of a solid, heavy-gauge silver casting