Mid-Century Hammered Sterling Silver Bobeche or Candle Drip Cup
Candelabra/Candlestick accessory (Hollowware) · Unidentified studio silversmith or manufacturer (possibly Allan Adler or Porter Blanchard school given the hammered texture)
Pattern: Arts & Crafts / Hammered Mid-Century Modern; non-specific pattern name, generic drip cup form
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick accessory (Hollowware)
Maker
Unidentified studio silversmith or manufacturer (possibly Allan Adler or Porter Blanchard school given the hammered texture)
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver Plate; base metal appears to be nickel or copper where tarnish is visible
Dimensions
Estimated 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches) diameter with a roughly 2 cm center hole; estimated weight 15-25 grams
Description
A functional yet decorative silver bobeche designed to protect fine linens from candle wax. It features a broad, rounded rim meticulously finished with a hammered texture that catches the light in a series of small facets, contrasting with a smooth, concave interior.
Key Features
Faceted planishing marks; perfectly circular central cut-out; high-luster reflective rim; utilitarian modernist design
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Silver Plate; base metal appears to be nickel or copper where tarnish is visible
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered or planished finish with visible facets; polished rim and oxidized recessed center; minimalist transitional style
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the current view; typically located on the underside rim or inner flange, likely stamped 'STERLING' or with a maker's mark
Construction Details
Likely raised from a flat sheet or die-struck then hand-finished with planishing hammers to create the faceted texture
Functional Features
Central aperture for candle insertion; concave reservoir to catch melting wax; removable for easy cleaning
Handle & Grip Details
No handle; friction-fit design intended to rest on the shoulder of a candlestick socket
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-finished decoration on a likely machine-stamped blank; the centering of the hole suggests industrial precision while the rim suggests artisanal touch
Authentication Indicators
Planishing marks appear consistent with manual finishing; however, the lack of visible hallmarks suggests it could be a component of a larger plated set
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Scandinavia (Denmark/Sweden), regions known for modernist hammered silver traditions
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1965) influenced by the Arts & Crafts Movement
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960 based on the balance of the hammered texture and clean geometric form
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war shift toward 'organic' textures in domestic silver, moving away from the ornate floral patterns of the Victorian era
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition; notable silver sulfide tarnish (dark spots), surface abrasions, and evidence of wax residue in the grooves
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD (if Sterling); $5 - $10 USD (if Silver Plate)
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water to remove wax; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's to remove tarnish; avoid wire brushes
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen hammered bobeches (more refined, specific hallmarks) or Gorham 'Andante' pattern accessories
Interesting Facts
The word 'bobeche' is derived from French; these pieces were essential for households before smokeless, dripless paraffin candles were perfected