Crown Silver Co. Pierced Sterling Silver Weighted Candlesticks
Candelabra/Candlestick (weighted short pillar style) · Crown Silver Co. (New York, NY). Founded in the mid-20th century, they were a reliable American manufacturer specializing in hollowware and weighted sterling novelties, known for accessible luxury items.
Pattern: Empire or Regency Revival with Pierced Gallery. This specific design features a decorative pierced band and gadrooned borders, typical of 1940s-1950s production.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick (weighted short pillar style)
Maker
Crown Silver Co. (New York, NY). Founded in the mid-20th century, they were a reliable American manufacturer specializing in hollowware and weighted sterling novelties, known for accessible luxury items.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) skin over a weighted core. The core typically consists of pitch, cement, or plaster to provide stability and heft, as the silver itself is quite thin.
Dimensions
Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches in height with a 3-inch base diameter. While heavy to the touch due to the 'Weighted' core, the actual silver content is likely between 15-30 grams per stick.
Description
A charming pair of American sterling silver candlesticks featuring a classic Neoclassical silhouette. The pieces are defined by their delicate pierced upper galleries and traditional gadrooned borders. The bright-polished surface reflects light beautifully, making them a staple for formal dining tables of the mid-20th century.
Key Features
The 'Crown' logo script, the die-cut pierced gallery which adds architectural lightness, and the concentric circles on the base plate denoting machine-spun manufacturing.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) skin over a weighted core. The core typically consists of pitch, cement, or plaster to provide stability and heft, as the silver itself is quite thin.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with decorative piercing (openwork) on the cup gallery. Features gadroon (rope-like) borders on the shoulder and base. The style is a mid-century interpretation of Neoclassical motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the bottom plate with the 'Crown' brand script, a crown logo, 'STERLING', and 'WEIGHTED'. There are no British-style assay marks as this is an American factory-made piece.
Construction Details
Machine-spun sterling silver sheets formed over a non-precious weighted base. The base is sealed with a silver-plated or thin sterling disc. The piercing is likely die-cut.
Functional Features
Standard 7/8 inch candle socket. The wide flared base and internal weighting are designed to prevent tipping during use.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; however, the waisted stem provides a ergonomic grip for movement, and the weighted base ensures stability when placed.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; the symmetry is perfect due to machine spinning and die-striking. High-quality finishing on the gadroon borders indicates a reputable mid-tier factory.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Crown' hallmark is consistent with known 20th-century New York manufacturers. The 'Sterling' stamp is legally required for .925 purity. The wear pattern on the base plate shows genuine age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the USA, likely New York. Crown Silver Co. utilized industrial silver-forming techniques common in the Northeast manufacturing hubs like Providence and NYC.
Era & Period
Mid-Century American (c. 1940-1960). This period saw a surge in 'weighted' silver production to make sterling accessible to the growing middle class.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The font of the stamp and the specific style of the pierced gallery are hallmarks of post-WWII American silver production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Silver Age' of American suburban entertaining, where every middle-class household aspired to have sterling on the table for holidays and formal dinners.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The silver shows light surface scratches consistent with polishing. There are no major 'bruises' or dents, which is common in thin-walled weighted silver. The 'weighted' base plate is intact and not loose.
Value Estimate
$60 - $120 for the pair. Value is based on decorative appeal and brand recognition rather than silver scrap weight due to the non-precious core.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cream like Wright’s. Do not immerse in water, as moisture can seep into the 'weighted' core and cause internal corrosion or expanding cement which can split the silver.
Similar Pieces
Similar styles produced by Gorham, Empire Silver, or Duchin. Differences include the specific piercing pattern or the weight of the gadrooning.
Interesting Facts
Weighted silver became extremely popular during the Depression and post-war years because it allowed manufacturers to create large, impressive-looking pieces using a fraction of the precious metal required for 'solid' silver.