Candelabrum | Yale University Art Gallery

probably 1912

On view, 1st floor, American Decorative Arts before 1900

This silver candelabrum by the Gorham Manufacturing Company is an example of an expensive lighting form that came into fashion at the turn of the century, when the custom of dining by candlelight was revived in response to the harsh light cast by electric light fixtures. Shades for candles fitted with pink or ivory fabric were said to yield a more flattering light for women's complexions. The interior of these silver-mounted shades are lined with isinglass, an early flame-resistant material, to prevent them from catching fire. Gorham patented a celluloid spring-loaded candleholder that kept the shades at an even height as the wax candles burned down.

Medium: Sterling silver, other metals, celluloid, glass beads, silk, and isinglass
Dimensions: 18 3/4 × 16 1/2 × 16 1/2 in. (47.63 × 41.91 × 41.91 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Bartels
Accession Number: 2012.67.1a-u
Geography: Made in Providence, Rhode Island
Culture: American
Period: 20th century
Classification: Lighting Devices
Disclaimer: Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance

Mrs. Morgan P. Horton (née Susan Marie Todd, 1888–1974)), New York and later New Canaan, Connecticut; by descent to her daughter Mrs. Henry Bartels (née Nancy Todd Horton), North Branford, Connecticut; gift to Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut, 2012

Bibliography

"Acquisitions," Yale University Art Gallery Bulletin: Online Supplement (accessed December 21, 2012), 19, ill

Object copyright

No Copyright - United States

Additional information

Marks

Candleabra 1a, stamped on underside: At center (Lion Anchor G in shield) "STERLING/A2095"; at left (bell); Scratched in at upper side "ZTE"/ irregular rectangle; Stamped at base of central well "STERLING".\r\n\r\nCandle holder and harp:1b-f stamped on underside on each, in arc: "PAT. APR. 29, 1902"; 1b on support inside (Anchor in shield) "GORHAM 0328"; 1c, d, e + f on support inside (Anchor in shield) "GORHAM CO. 06".\r\n\r\nBobeche: 1g "STERLING" ; 1h "STERLING/ 3"; 1i 'STERLING/2083"; 1 j + k "STERLING/ 2095"

Inscriptions

"S / H / T" engraved in script on central support

Technical metadata and APIs

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