Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Hourglass Candlestick by Gorham (Model 1261)
Candelabra/Candlestick · Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham is one of the most prestigious American silversmiths, famous for their high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs.
Pattern: Puritan or Mid-Century Modern Line, Model No. 1261. This pattern is part of the minimalist series introduced to compete with Scandinavian imports.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick
Maker
Gorham Manufacturing Co., Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1831, Gorham is one of the most prestigious American silversmiths, famous for their high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Likely 'weighted' or 'reinforced' at the base with resin or cement to provide stability for the tall, slender form.
Dimensions
Standard height is approximately 8 to 10 inches tall with a slim diameter of roughly 2 inches at the widest points. Total weight including filling is approximately 250-350 grams.
Description
An elegant example of Mid-Century Modern silver design, this Gorham candlestick features a striking hourglass or 'dumbbell' silhouette. Its seamless curves and high-polish finish capture light beautifully, embodying the 'less is more' philosophy of the period. Designed to hold a single slim taper candle, it stands as a sculptural object even when not in use.
Key Features
Extreme 'wasp-waisted' profile; weighted stability; lack of any horizontal rim or flange; smooth transition between the base and the candle cup.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Likely 'weighted' or 'reinforced' at the base with resin or cement to provide stability for the tall, slender form.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish. Minimalist, unadorned decoration with a focus on form and silhouette. Typical of the Swedish Modern or Danish Modern aesthetic of the 1950s.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on the bottom with the Gorham lion-anchor-G mark, followed by 'GORHAM', 'STERLING', and the model number '1261', often accompanied by the 'WEIGHTED' descriptor.
Construction Details
Machine-spun from sheet sterling silver. The two-part hourglass form is joined at the narrow waist. The base is filled with a weighted core and sealed with a protective felt or silver-plated disc.
Functional Features
Tapered candle socket at the top; weighted base for low center of gravity; ergonomic 'waist' for handling; hollow-form body to maintain height without excessive silver weight.
Handle & Grip Details
The entire body acts as a grip; the narrow cinched center allows for easy adjustment on a table. No external handles.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial spinning. The seam at the waist is expertly hidden, and the uniformity of the wall thickness demonstrates Gorham's technical industrial mastery.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry and balance are key indicators; Gorham marks are usually crisp and professionally stamped via machine. The weight distribution should feel bottom-heavy, never top-heavy.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Providence, Rhode Island. Manufactured using high-efficiency industrial silver-spinning techniques characteristic of mid-20th century American production.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1965). The design reflects the space-age 'Atomic' influence and the post-war shift toward streamlined, organic shapes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1960. The silhouette is highly distinct to this specific five-year window of American domestic design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'good design' in the 1950s, where traditional companies like Gorham pivoted away from Victorian fluff toward high-style modernism for the new suburban middle class.
Condition Notes
Surface shows significant micro-scratching and 'swirls' consistent with heavy cleaning or use (Good condition). No visible deep dents at the waist, which is the structural weak point. Check for 'push-ups' at the candle socket.
Value Estimate
$150 - $300 per pair at retail; $60 - $120 for a single unit in used condition. Value is primarily in the design aesthetic rather than the silver scrap weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid submersion in water due to the weighted base which can trap moisture and rot the internal cement. Buff with a soft cotton cloth.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Bamboo' sticks (more textured); Reed & Barton 'Focus' line (more angular); vintage Dansk silver-plated designs (often lighter and smaller).
Interesting Facts
This specific shape was heavily influenced by the work of Hans Christensen and other Danish designers who worked for Georg Jensen, which Gorham sought to emulate for the American market.