Towle Silversmiths Old Master Pattern Pewter Candlestick or Small Hollowware Base
Hollowware (Base of a Candlestick or Small Pedestal Piece) · Towle Silversmiths, based in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Founded in 1882 with roots dating back to the Moulton family (active since 1690). They are a premier American manufacturer of fine silver and pewter.
Pattern: Old Master pattern (originally a silver flatware pattern introduced in 1942, adapted for pewter hollowware in the mid-20th century).
Type
Hollowware (Base of a Candlestick or Small Pedestal Piece)
Maker
Towle Silversmiths, based in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Founded in 1882 with roots dating back to the Moulton family (active since 1690). They are a premier American manufacturer of fine silver and pewter.
Material
Modern Pewter (Lead-free), primarily composed of tin with small amounts of antimony and copper. Note that this item contains no silver content despite being made by a silver manufacturer.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 2.5 to 3 inches (6.3 to 7.6 cm); estimated weight 150-200 grams. This size indicates a standard candlestick base or a small nut bowl foot.
Description
This is a circular base from a piece of Towle pewter hollowware. While Towle is world-renowned for sterling silver, they produced a significant line of pewter giftware that mimics the weights and styles of their silver lines. The underside features a matte, textured finish to hide casting imperfections, while the central medallion clearly identifies the maker and material, distinguishing it from their more expensive silver counterparts.
Key Features
The central 'Pewter' stamp is the primary diagnostic feature, explicitly separating it from silver. The cast texture is also indicative of lead-free pewter manufacturing processes.
Material & Composition
Modern Pewter (Lead-free), primarily composed of tin with small amounts of antimony and copper. Note that this item contains no silver content despite being made by a silver manufacturer.
Finish & Decoration
Satin brushed finish with a characteristic 'orange peel' or 'hammered-look' cast texture on the underside. Traditional design with simple circular concentric rings.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular stamped mark stating 'TOWLE PEWTER' at the top and 'MADE IN U.S.A.' at the bottom, surrounding a central logo of a stylized silversmith's hammer over a workbench/anvil.
Construction Details
Cast construction. The piece is machine-cast in a mold, evidenced by the uniform texture on the underside and the crispness of the stamped mark in a recessed central well.
Functional Features
Weighted pedestal base designed to provide stability to a vertical vessel or candle holder. Does not feature heat stops or removable parts.
Handle & Grip Details
None present on this component.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade machine-cast metal. High quality for pewter but lacks the hand-finishing or chasing found in Towle's sterling silver products.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark is authentic and consistent with Towle's markings for non-silver items. The lack of 'Sterling' or '925' marks confirms the material is base metal pewter.
Origin & Manufacturing
Newburyport, Massachusetts, United States. Manufactured in the Towle factory using mass production casting techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-to-Late 20th Century (Post-WWII American Colonial Revival). This style was popular in the 1960s and 70s as an affordable alternative to sterling silver.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1980. The specific 'Towle Pewter' circular seal was widely used during the peak of the pewter revival era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 1970s American trend toward 'Early American' and 'Colonial Revival' home decor, where pewter was favored for its rustic, historical aesthetic compared to high-shine silver.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible minor surface scratches and 'flea bites' consistent with soft metal use. Tarnish is minimal as pewter does not oxidize the same way silver does. No visible warping or 'pewter rot'.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Pewter hollowware by Towle is common and generally holds decorative value rather than precious metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with warm, soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use silver polish, as it may be too abrasive. Pewter is a soft metal; avoid dishwasher use and high heat which can melt or warp the alloy.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Wilton Armetale (a different aluminum-based alloy) or Kirk-Stieff pewter. The key difference is the specific Towle hammer-and-anvil logo.
Interesting Facts
Towle often used their most famous silver pattern names, like 'Old Master' and 'Chippendale,' for their pewter lines to capitalize on the prestige of their flatware collections.