Mid-Century Modern Trumpet Candlesticks, Dansk Designs IHQ Style
Candelabra/Candlestick · Likely Dansk Designs (International), Nissen, or Paro in the style of Jens Quistgaard. Known for popularizing Scandinavian modernism in the 1960s.
Pattern: Trumpet or Hourglass Form; part of the Scandinavian Modern movement of the 1950s-1970s.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick
Maker
Likely Dansk Designs (International), Nissen, or Paro in the style of Jens Quistgaard. Known for popularizing Scandinavian modernism in the 1960s.
Material
Cast Aluminum or Silver-Plated Zinc Alloy. Noticeable heavy scratching and lack of tarnish suggests this is a high-polished base metal rather than sterling silver.
Dimensions
Standard height for this form is approximately 6 to 8 inches. Weight depends on whether the core is solid cast or weighted with plaster/cement.
Description
An iconic pair of hourglass-shaped candlesticks representing the height of Mid-Century table decor. Their sleek, architectural lines emulate the 'Atomic Age' design trends of the 1960s.
Key Features
Slender 'waist', flared base and top, absence of separate bobeche, and seamless casting.
Material & Composition
Cast Aluminum or Silver-Plated Zinc Alloy. Noticeable heavy scratching and lack of tarnish suggests this is a high-polished base metal rather than sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished satin or mirror finish, currently heavily scuffed. Minimalist aesthetic with a lack of any applied ornamentation typical of the Mid-Century Modern period.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks would be on the felt-padded or recessed base, potentially reading 'Dansk Designs IHQ Japan', 'Denmark', or 'Silverplate France'. No marks visible in the current photo.
Construction Details
Machine-cast and lathe-turned for symmetry. The pieces exhibit a seamless silhouette with a weighted base for stability.
Functional Features
Tapered bobeche at the top designed to hold a standard slim taper candle; flared base for counter-balance.
Handle & Grip Details
The narrow waist serves as both a design element and a functional grip area for moving the candlesticks.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-quality casting. The emphasis is on the purity of the geometric form rather than hand-worked detail.
Authentication Indicators
Form is highly consistent with Jens Quistgaard's designs; however, the lack of sterling hallmarks suggests these are the more common plated or aluminum variants.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Japan or Denmark for the American/European export market under a Scandinavian brand.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970). Characterized by organic curves, functionalism, and lack of surface decoration.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1975 based on the trumpet form and material composition.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war shift toward casual but elegant entertaining and the democratization of high-end design through industrial manufacturing.
Condition Notes
Fair. Significant surface scratches and abrasions throughout the body. No structural dents visible, but surface needs significant restoration.
Value Estimate
$20-$60 for the pair in current condition; higher if authenticated with a prestigious maker's mark and polished.
Care & Maintenance
Wash in warm soapy water. Use a non-abrasive metal polish like Cape Cod cloths to attempt to buff out fine scratches. Store in a soft cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen 'Cobra' candlesticks (more fluid/curvy) or Gorham 'Puritan' sterling taper holders (shorter and more traditional).
Interesting Facts
Items of this form were frequently found in the background of high-design interior photography during the 1960s and 70s as a symbol of modern sophistication.