H.Marthinsen sølvvarefabrikk, Tønsberg, - For Swedish Market - Candelabrum - .830 silver - c.1925

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Inés Fernández
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Selected by Inés Fernández

Specialised in Spanish and Portuguese silver with over 10 years in galleries and auctions.

Estimate  € 380 - € 450
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A single Rococo revival silver candlestick, 830/1000 purity, weighing 391.9 g, 18 cm tall, produced in Tønsberg, Norway by H.Marthinsen Sølvvarefabrikk for the Swedish market around c.1925–1930, in good condition with minor signs of aging.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

This is a finely crafted single silver candlestick (not a multi-arm candelabra) produced by A/S Th. Marthinsen Sølvvarefabrikk (also known as Thorvald Marthinsen) in Tønsberg, Norway. The factory, founded in 1883, was renowned for high-quality silverware in traditional styles, and this piece aligns with their mid-20th-century production (likely 1930s–1960s, based on similar documented examples).
Design and Style
The candlestick exemplifies Rococo revival style, drawing from 18th-century French Louis XV aesthetics with dynamic, asymmetrical ornamentation emphasizing shells (rocaille), scrolls, and naturalistic forms. Key elements include:

Bobeche (drip pan) — Scalloped with petal-like lobes alternating in size, featuring raised ovoid/bulbous decorations around the rim for an organic, floral effect.
Stem — Baluster form with multiple swollen knops (bulbous sections) for visual weight, plus a central pierced gallery with openwork resembling stylized shells or foliage.
Base — Tri-lobed or shaped with flowing rocaille motifs, including prominent shell forms, curled scrolls, and ribbed detailing; the edges undulate with volutes and small bead-like accents for a sense of movement and elegance.

The overall silhouette is graceful and baroque-inspired, with polished surfaces that highlight the reflective quality of silver and create dramatic light play.
Material and Hallmarks
Crafted in 830/1000 purity silver (standard Norwegian "830S" mark visible in your close-up photo), it includes the maker's mark (typically a goblet or similar symbol for Marthinsen) and additional punches. The presence of Swedish import hallmarks (likely the three crowns in an oval, used on foreign silver entering Sweden from 1912–1988) confirms it was exported to or intended for the Swedish market.
Dimensions and Condition

Weight — 391.9 grams (as shown on the scale), typical for a weighted/filled base to ensure stability (common in such candlesticks to prevent tipping).
Height — 18 cm
Condition — Appears well-preserved with a rich patina; minor surface scratches and tarnish consistent with age and use, but no major damage visible.

This type of candlestick was often produced in pairs and remains collectible for its craftsmanship and Scandinavian silver heritage. Similar Marthinsen rococo-style examples frequently appear in auctions, valued for their ornate detailing and historical export context. If you have a matching pair or additional marks visible, that could provide further specifics!

This is a finely crafted single silver candlestick (not a multi-arm candelabra) produced by A/S Th. Marthinsen Sølvvarefabrikk (also known as Thorvald Marthinsen) in Tønsberg, Norway. The factory, founded in 1883, was renowned for high-quality silverware in traditional styles, and this piece aligns with their mid-20th-century production (likely 1930s–1960s, based on similar documented examples).
Design and Style
The candlestick exemplifies Rococo revival style, drawing from 18th-century French Louis XV aesthetics with dynamic, asymmetrical ornamentation emphasizing shells (rocaille), scrolls, and naturalistic forms. Key elements include:

Bobeche (drip pan) — Scalloped with petal-like lobes alternating in size, featuring raised ovoid/bulbous decorations around the rim for an organic, floral effect.
Stem — Baluster form with multiple swollen knops (bulbous sections) for visual weight, plus a central pierced gallery with openwork resembling stylized shells or foliage.
Base — Tri-lobed or shaped with flowing rocaille motifs, including prominent shell forms, curled scrolls, and ribbed detailing; the edges undulate with volutes and small bead-like accents for a sense of movement and elegance.

The overall silhouette is graceful and baroque-inspired, with polished surfaces that highlight the reflective quality of silver and create dramatic light play.
Material and Hallmarks
Crafted in 830/1000 purity silver (standard Norwegian "830S" mark visible in your close-up photo), it includes the maker's mark (typically a goblet or similar symbol for Marthinsen) and additional punches. The presence of Swedish import hallmarks (likely the three crowns in an oval, used on foreign silver entering Sweden from 1912–1988) confirms it was exported to or intended for the Swedish market.
Dimensions and Condition

Weight — 391.9 grams (as shown on the scale), typical for a weighted/filled base to ensure stability (common in such candlesticks to prevent tipping).
Height — 18 cm
Condition — Appears well-preserved with a rich patina; minor surface scratches and tarnish consistent with age and use, but no major damage visible.

This type of candlestick was often produced in pairs and remains collectible for its craftsmanship and Scandinavian silver heritage. Similar Marthinsen rococo-style examples frequently appear in auctions, valued for their ornate detailing and historical export context. If you have a matching pair or additional marks visible, that could provide further specifics!

Details

Specific region of origin
Tonsberg
Silver type
.830 silver
Gross weight
391.9 g
Manufacturer/ Brand
H.Marthinsen sølvvarefabrikk, Tønsberg,
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
c.1925
No. of items
1
Country of Origin
Norway
Designer/Artist/Maker
For Swedish Market
Material
Silver
Style
Design
Colour
Silver
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
18 cm
Width
0 cm
Depth
18 cm
Estimated Period
1920-1930
PolandVerified
New
on Catawiki
Private

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