Modernist Plain Sterling Silver Cylinder Candlestick
Hollowware (Candlestick) · Unidentified Modern Maker; typical of mid-20th century American or Scandinavian workshops such as Gorham, Revere Silversmiths, or Hans Hansen.
Pattern: Modernist Plain / Tubular Series; generic contemporary style produced mid-20th century to present.
Type
Hollowware (Candlestick)
Maker
Unidentified Modern Maker; typical of mid-20th century American or Scandinavian workshops such as Gorham, Revere Silversmiths, or Hans Hansen.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) over a likely weighted resin or pitch core for stability.
Dimensions
Estimated 6 to 10 inches in height; diameter approx 1.5 to 2 inches. Heavy due to internal weighting.
Description
A sleek, modernist sterling silver candlestick featuring a perfectly cylindrical body. The piece emphasizes the natural luster of high-purity silver through its unadorned, mirror-polished surface, reflecting a post-war shift toward functionalism and clean lines.
Key Features
Perfectly vertical silhouette, absence of decorative banding, and high-polish surface that highlights every reflection.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) over a likely weighted resin or pitch core for stability.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with no surface ornamentation or chasing; minimalist aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in provided image; would typically be found on the bottom rim or underside of the base, stating 'Sterling' and a maker's mark.
Construction Details
Machine-spun tubular silver sleeve; likely die-struck base and top components soldered with a seamless appearance.
Functional Features
Hollow or weighted shaft designed to hold a standard taper candle; stable cylindrical base.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the body of the candlestick serves as the grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of industrial spinning and machine polishing; high uniformity suggests mass-production rather than unique hand-wrought studio work.
Authentication Indicators
Surface wear patterns suggest genuine metal rather than plating; however, the absence of visible hallmarks in this view requires base inspection.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Northern Europe (Denmark/Sweden) where minimalist silver was industrially perfected.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970) exhibiting Bauhaus-influenced minimalist design principles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 based on the lack of ornamentation and polished cylindrical form.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' silver in the mid-20th century, moving away from ornate Victorian status symbols toward functional home decor.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface abrasions, fine 'spider-web' scratches from improper cleaning, and a notable small ding/dent near the center-left focus point.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 USD depending on size and maker identification on the base.
Care & Maintenance
Requires gentle hand-polishing with a non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove the fine scratches; avoid machine buffing which can thin the silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Padova' or Georg Jensen 'Modern' lines, which feature similar streamlined, unadorned forms.
Interesting Facts
The shift to cylindrical silver forms was popularized by the Bauhaus school, which argued that the beauty of silver lay in its reflective properties rather than applied decoration.