Israeli Sterling Silver Vermeil Filigree Candlestick with Hanging Leaf Pendants
Candelabra/Candlestick · Likely Bier Silversmiths or Hazorfim. These Israeli workshops are renowned for blending traditional Judaica with intricate filigree work, founded in the mid-20th century in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
Pattern: Traditional Yemenite Filigree Style. This pattern is not typically cataloged by a single name but is part of the 'Jerusalem' or 'Yemenite' folk-art lineage in Israeli silver production.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick
Maker
Likely Bier Silversmiths or Hazorfim. These Israeli workshops are renowned for blending traditional Judaica with intricate filigree work, founded in the mid-20th century in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with high-carat Vermeil (Gold plating). The yellow hue indicates a significant gold wash over a solid silver base, common in Mid-Century Israeli decorative arts.
Dimensions
Estimated 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in height. Weight is likely between 150-250 grams (4.8 to 8 troy ounces) depending on whether the base is weighted or solid.
Description
An opulent example of Israeli silvercraft, this candlestick features a brilliant gold-washed vermeil finish. The design is characterized by its kinetic leaf-shaped charms that hang from a delicate filigree gallery. Its silhouette is regal, blending neoclassical proportions with the ornate, airy textures of Middle Eastern filigree, making it a standout piece of functional Judaica.
Key Features
The distinctive hanging leaf pendants and the 'lace' filigree gallery surrounding the candle cup. The use of gold vermeil on a traditionally silver form is also a hallmark of high-end Israeli export sets.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with high-carat Vermeil (Gold plating). The yellow hue indicates a significant gold wash over a solid silver base, common in Mid-Century Israeli decorative arts.
Finish & Decoration
Vermeil gold finish with hand-applied filigree and repoussé. The piece features a fluted base, a knopped stem with horizontal banding, and a cup rimmed with 'lace' filigree and suspended cast leaf-shaped pendants.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks include '925', 'Sterling', and potentially the 'Israeli State Mark' (a silhouette of a menorah or a harp) alongside a maker's mark (e.g., 'BIER' or 'HAZORFIM'). Stamps are typically found on the outer edge of the base.
Construction Details
The piece utilizes a combination of machine-spun elements (the stem and base) and hand-applied decorative filigree. The hanging charms are attached via small hand-soldered jump rings.
Functional Features
Features a flared drip pan at the top to catch wax and a steady weighted or flared base for balance. The hanging pendants move freely, adding a kinetic and auditory element when handled.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; Central stem design for manual carry, featuring a bulbous 'knop' for better grip ergonomics during candle lighting rituals.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays a mix of industrial precision in the central column and artisan-level detail in the filigree wire-work and pendant attachments.
Authentication Indicators
Clear machine-turning lines on the stem consistent with 20th-century production; jump rings showing hand-closure; consistency with known Israeli export patterns of the 1960s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Israel, likely Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. This style is specific to the Jewish silversmithing traditions brought by immigrants from Yemen and adapted for the export market.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Israeli Folk Revival (c. 1950-1970). The design reflects the mass-industrialization of traditional handcrafted Yemenite styles after the establishment of the State of Israel.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1975. The precision of the spinning on the stem suggests mid-to-late 20th-century manufacture rather than earlier hand-raised work.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of diasporic craft traditions with the modern Israeli state. Such pieces were frequently used for Shabbat candle lighting and given as high-status gifts to international dignitaries.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The vermeil plating appears mostly intact, though there may be light wear on high points. All hanging pendants appear present, which is rare for this fragile style. Slight tarnish is visible in the deeper filigree recessed areas.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven by the gold-wash condition and the completeness of the hanging charms.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical dips which will strip the thin gold vermeil layer. Use only a soft micro-fiber cloth and mild soapy water if necessary. Store in acid-free tissue to prevent the silver base from tarnishing through the gold pore structure.
Similar Pieces
Bier Filigree stems (which often lack the hanging leaves) and Hazorfim 'Regal' collection pieces. Also similar to Ben-Zion silver works which use more oxidized finishes.
Interesting Facts
The style is heavily influenced by 'Yemenite Filigree,' a technique where silversmiths used charcoal fires and blowpipes to weld hair-thin wires. In the 1950s, Israel promoted this craft as a 'National Style' to support new immigrants.