Keystone Silver Co. Sterling Silver Candelabra/Hollowware Piece
Hollowware / Candelabra · Keystone Silver Co. founded in 1914 by E.W. Pollitz and others in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were known for high-quality production of sterling and copper items.
Pattern: Pattern No. 914; The pattern likely features traditional early 20th-century American motifs such as gadroon borders or scrolled arms.
Type
Hollowware / Candelabra
Maker
Keystone Silver Co. founded in 1914 by E.W. Pollitz and others in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were known for high-quality production of sterling and copper items.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) as indicated by the 'Sterling' designation typically accompanying this maker's mark; likely solid silver construction given the stamping style.
Dimensions
Estimated height 8-12 inches if a candelabra; weight typically ranges from 300g to 800g depending on whether the base is weighted or solid sterling.
Description
A refined example of American industrial silver production from Philadelphia's Keystone Silver Co. This piece features a distinct script hallmark and pattern number 914, indicative of a mid-tier luxury item designed for the domestic market during the early 20th century.
Key Features
Unique script-style maker's mark and the specific pattern number '914' which serves as a primary diagnostic for catalog identification.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) as indicated by the 'Sterling' designation typically accompanying this maker's mark; likely solid silver construction given the stamping style.
Finish & Decoration
The image shows a textured, likely brushed or hand-hammered finish with some patination. This style of stamping is common on Art Deco or Federal Revival pieces.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Incised script mark 'Keystone Silver Co.' and pattern/catalog number '914'. The mark is consistent with the firm's output during the first half of the 20th century.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun base with hand-finished elements; the stamping appears to be die-struck or hand-stamped onto the bottom plate.
Functional Features
Likely part of a modular or stationary lighting fixture; catalog number 914 specifically identifies the form in defunct company records.
Handle & Grip Details
Information not visible, but typical Keystone pieces used solid sterling handles for serving pieces or scrolled silver arms for candelabra.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial sterling; the stamp is deep and well-defined, suggesting high-pressure die strikes and quality control common in Philadelphia workshops.
Authentication Indicators
The lettering style of 'Keystone Silver Co.' matches known authentic specimens from the Philadelphia workshop; wear is consistent with bottom-stamped hollowware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The city was a major hub for silver manufacturing along with Providence and New York.
Era & Period
Modern American/Interwar Period (c. 1914-1940); displays the transition from ornate Victorian styles to cleaner American industrial lines.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1935 based on the script style of the hallmark and the numerical pattern system used by Keystone during their peak years.
Cultural Significance
Represents the growth of the American middle class in the early 1900s and the expansion of domestic silver manufacturing outside of the 'Big Three' (Tiffany, Gorham, Reed & Barton).
Condition Notes
The surface shows significant scratching and visible pitting/corrosion spots. The tarnish appears uneven. Overall condition is 'Good' but requires professional cleaning.
Value Estimate
$200 - $600 USD depending on the specific form of piece 914 (e.g., a bowl vs. a multi-arm candelabrum) and total silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality non-abrasive cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid dips which can cause the pitting seen in the image to accelerate.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to pieces by Revere Silversmiths or early 20th-century Poole silver. Distinguished by the specific Philadelphia-based hallmark.
Interesting Facts
Keystone Silver Co. is often confused with later plating companies, but their sterling output (marked like this) is highly regarded for its weight and purity.