Rare & Elaborate Late 19th Century German Silverplate Candelabras with 5 lights by Renowned WMF Silversmiths

WMF, the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, was a prominent German silverware manufacturer. In 1862 the firm gained international recognition when its silver-plated goods were awarded a medal at the Great London Exposition. Earlier pieces had a classical or historical style and by the late 1800s under the direction of sculptor and designer Albert Mayer, WMF began producing silver-plated items in the popular Art Nouveau style. The company also expanded its distribution internationally with locations in London, Vienna, and Warsaw.

The pair of delightful candelabras are in excellent condition and have five lights raised on volutes made of delicate windings of chiseled acanthus leaves. Four lights form a ring around the central shaft crowned with a raised fifth light. Lights consist of circular bobèches and vase-like sconces, all supported by a wonderful “bouquet” of scrolls that erupt from a “horn of plenty” carried with ease by a figure on each candelabra. The figures (male & female) dressed referencing “classical or historical”  influences combined with the organic flowing lines of the candelabras show that these are “transition”  pieces from Neoclassicism to the Art Nouveau Period ( in Germany “Jugendstil”).

The WMF company was renowned for its high-quality electroplated silver table and decorative ware, further enriching the “story” of this rare pair of late 19th century candelabras.

Dimensions: height 20″ x width 11″ x depth 9″