Essex Jewelry and Antiques

Pair 1931 English Sterling Silver Vanderbilt Estate Convertible Candelabra 18"

$5,709.00

Presented is large pair of English sterling silver three light convertible candelabra. These candelabra were made by the Crichton Brothers and date to 1931. The candelabra have a reeded design to the arms, and an elegant swirl in the way they join the central socle. The shafts have a stylized paneled/petal design, while the socles are done in a stylized blossom form, though the effect is subtle. Each socle has a removable wax drip/bobeche, for ease of cleaning. The candelabra arms are removable so the pair can be used as single candlesticks. The base of each one is monogrammed “MFM” in flowing script. These candelabra came from the Vanderbilt estate, but we were unable to identify the person whose monogram this is.

The base is hallmarked on the side with English hallmarks: the lion passant for sterling silver, the leopard's head for London, and the date letter Q representing 1931. The pair is also marked with the maker's mark for Crichton Brothers. These hallmarks are replicated over all the different pieces. All hallmarks match.

This pair is in excellent overall condition. One of the candlesticks, as a single, has a small solder mark on the central socle of the candlestick itself, not the removable arms. This mark is easily covered by the wax drip/bobeche, it is only visible without the bobeche present. There are no dents, no breaks, and no repairs.

Measurements: 16 3/4 inches across the candelabra arms, 5 3/8 inches in diameter at base, and about 18 inches tall

Weight: 3615 grams or 127.5 ounces. The candelabra arms (weight: 1330 grams) are likely entire entirely sterling silver, without weighting. The base is weighted.-kc