Godinger Silver Art Co. Pierced Christmas Tree Candelabrum
Decorative Object / Candlestick · Godinger Silver Art Co., founded in 1973 by Arnold Godinger and William Lefkowitz in New York. Known for high-volume, giftware-oriented silver-plated items and distinctive novelty designs.
Pattern: Holiday / Christmas Tree Novelty Series, introduced late 20th century, widely produced for department store holiday seasons.
Type
Decorative Object / Candlestick
Maker
Godinger Silver Art Co., founded in 1973 by Arnold Godinger and William Lefkowitz in New York. Known for high-volume, giftware-oriented silver-plated items and distinctive novelty designs.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely zinc alloy or white metal). This is not sterling silver; it is a cast non-precious metal electroplated with a thin layer of silver.
Dimensions
Standard size is approximately 10 to 12 inches in height. Weight is relatively heavy due to the cast base metal, typically around 1.5 to 2.5 lbs.
Description
A charming and intricate silver-plated Christmas tree candelabrum by Godinger. The tree is composed of a dense latticework of holly leaves and berries, interspersed with classic Victorian-style ornaments like a rocking horse, teddy bears, and candy canes. The antiqued finish gives it a vintage heirloom appearance while being a modern mass-market piece. It serves as an excellent festive centerpiece, combining the functionality of a candlestick with the visual presence of a sculpture.
Key Features
Complex pierced design with over 15 distinct holiday figurines; star-embossed candle cup; heavy cast-metal feel; distinct darkened recesses contrasting with polished highlights.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely zinc alloy or white metal). This is not sterling silver; it is a cast non-precious metal electroplated with a thin layer of silver.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and polished finish. Features high-relief, pierced openwork with traditional holiday motifs including bells, nutcrackers, stockings, angels, snowmen, and gifts. The surface is chemically darkened in recesses to emphasize detail (antiqued look).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually marked 'Godinger' or 'GSA' on the underside of the base or on the rim. Often accompanied by 'China' or 'Made in China' stickers, as most modern Godinger silver-plate production was outsourced.
Construction Details
Industrial die-cast construction. The piece is made by pouring molten metal into a mold rather than being hand-wrought. The tree structure is soldered to a stamped oval base.
Functional Features
Single candle cup at the apex designed for a standard taper candle. The cup features an embossed star. The broad oval base provides stability for the top-heavy tree structure.
Handle & Grip Details
No dedicated handles; the entire tree structure acts as the body. The candle cup is integrated at the top of the 'trunk' structure.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality cast work. While the detail is high, the edges show the softness typical of die-casting rather than the crisp sharpness of hand-chased silver. The assembly is robust but lacks the finesse of fine jewelry-grade soldering.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the oxidized 'fake tarnish' in the recesses and the mold-seam marks on the figures confirm this as a modern cast silver-plated piece rather than a hand-soldered sterling antique.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in the USA by Godinger Silver Art Co.; manufactured in China. This utilizes mass-production casting techniques common in late 20th-century silver-plated giftware.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Contemporary (c. 1980-2000). Reflects the 'revivalist' giftware boom of the 1990s using mass-production techniques for traditional holiday aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2010. The style, material, and oxidized finish are characteristic of this window of Godinger production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fancy' silver for the middle-class American household during the late 20th century, where silver-plated novelties replaced sterling silver as the standard for holiday decor.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Surface shows minor 'pitting' common with silver-plate on cast alloy. Slight wax residue in the cup. No signs of 'plate loss' where the base metal shows through (copper or grey streaks).
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $65.00 USD. Value is driven by decorative appeal and holiday demand rather than silver content. Original boxing can add 20% to the value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid aggressive silver dips or abrasive polishes which can strip the thin silver plating or remove the decorative oxidation in the recesses. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'peeling' of the plate.
Similar Pieces
International Silver Co. holiday trees (often less detailed), Reed & Barton silver-plate ornaments, and Gorham 'Silver Lace' trees (which are usually thinner and non-candelabra).
Interesting Facts
Godinger items were a staple of Macy's and Bloomingdale's holiday catalogs for decades. Despite being mass-produced, they are highly collectible as 'functional nostalgia' pieces.